Nationals Remove CJ Abrams From Lineup After Unfortunate Personal News

While there was no timeline given on when Abrams could return, it will not be surprising if Abrams is absent from Sunday's game against the Cubs as well. On Saturday, switch-hitting infielder Nasim Nuñez got the start at shortstop in his place.

2026 is a pivotal season for Abrams and the Nationals as they embark on a new era. When the Nationals overhauled their front office and hired former Red Sox assistant GM Paul Toboni to be their President of Baseball Operations in the fall, it was speculated that Abrams could be traded to a contender.

In fact, The Athletic's Andrew Baggarly reported in January that the San Francisco Giants were aggressive in their pursuit of Abrams, even offering their #2-ranked prospect Josuar Gonzalez in trade talks for the Nationals shortstop.

The Nationals ultimately elected not to bite, however, and Abrams remained with the team. Debuting at just 21 years of age, Abrams is now in his fifth major league season and his fourth with the Nationals, making him one of the longest-tenured players on the team despite being just 25.

Abrams still has three seasons of control left with the Nationals, but he could find himself on the move if the team continues to look directionless. Over the last five seasons, the Nationals have averaged just 66 wins per 162 games. Toboni and first-time manager Blake Butera are expected to turn the boat around, but expectations remain measured for the 2026 season.

If the Nationals are to exceed those expectations, it will take players like Abrams finding another level in their game. Abrams has had strong performances in each of his three full seasons with the Nationals, but he has shown flashes of elite ability that he has not been able to harness over the course of a full season.