Nationals News: CJ Abrams off to another red hot start

Another year, another red hot April for Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, can he keep it up?

As was the case in 2024, CJ Abrams has gotten off to a red hot start in 2025. This is especially true in the power department, where CJ has hit three homers in the Nats last four games.

However, we need our young shortstop to stay consistent and keep up the good work. Last year, CJ’s first three months were a total rollercoaster, before falling off completely from July onwards.

In April of last year, Abrams hit .305 with six homers and a .982 OPS. However, his May was a different story, hitting just .205 with a .520 OPS. He turned things around with a red hot June where he hit .372. This propelled him to his first ever All-Star birth. However, we know what happened after the All-Star game.

We know CJ has the talent to be a top player in our sport, especially offensively. However, as is the case with many Nationals, the key is finding that month to month consistency. CJ has the highs of a star, but his lows are way too low. He also does not provide a ton of value defensively at shortstop, so that bat has to be on point.

One interesting note I saw on the broadcast is that CJ is using a Torpedo Bat. I called for the Nats to start using them earlier this week, and I guess CJ listened. One of the apparent benefits of the Torpedo Bat is more bat speed. If you look at the data, Abrams is swinging a faster bat this year.

Last year his average bat speed was 72.2 MPH, just above league average. Now it is at 73.8 MPH, which is well above league average. This is something I am going to keep tabs on as the season rolls along. It is an interesting new stat that is now available of Baseball Savant.

I have liked CJ’s swings so far this season. He still is aggressive at the plate, but it feels like he is not giving away as many at bats. Abrams is hunting his pitch and he is driving it.

Seeing Abrams become this power hitter has been a weird phenomenon over the last couple years. He was billed as a contact and speed guy, but he has grown into a surprising amount of thump for a thin guy. It is a huge part of his game and makes him such an exciting player when he is on.

Last year CJ hit 20 homers despite all the inconsistency. If he can put it all together this year, I really think CJ is a lock to hit 25 and could flirt with the 30 home run club. He does a great job pulling the ball in the air, which maximizes his raw power.

I think CJ took his late season punishment well this offseason and has come in with a point to prove. He has all the talent in the world, he just needs to put this all together. Is this another early season mirage from CJ, or is this the year he figures it out?