CJ Abrams can make Nationals/Expos history with All-Star nod

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CJ Abrams can make Nationals/Expos history with All-Star nod originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams is having an elite season, so much so that it could earn him his second All-Star nod.

Among qualified shortstops, Abrams is second (.289) to Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez in batting average (.332), first in on-base percentage (.381), slugging percentage (.522), OPS (.933), tied with Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz in home runs (12) and tied for second with De La Cruz in hits (65).

Between Lopez and Abrams, one will be the National League's starting shortstop, but Abrams getting the nod would be historic for the Nationals, who were formerly the Montreal Expos.

CJ Abrams could make Washington Nationals/Montreal Expos history​

Since the Expos founding in 1969, seven shortstops have played in MLB's All-Star Game, including Abrams: Trea Turner (2021), Ian Desmond (2012), Wil Cordero (1994), Hubie Brooks (1986 and 1987), and Cristian Guzmán (2008). Of all of them, none of them were named the starter, but according to MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan, Abrams has the best chance to be the first.

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"Speaking of longstanding All-Star droughts, we could see another end at shortstop -- one that extends the entire history of a franchise," wrote Harrigan. "Seven shortstops have earned an All-Star selection for the Expos/Nationals since they joined MLB in 1969. But the club has never had an All-Star starter at short. Enter CJ Abrams, who is hitting .293 with 12 homers, 47 RBIs, nine steals and the highest OPS (.919) of any qualifying shortstop."

Abrams' main competition to start is the aforementioned Lopez and De La Cruz, but mostly Lopez, with De La Cruz on the injured list with a right hamstring strain. The names outside those three are underwhelming, as Turner is not having a great season (.228/.627), nor is San Diego Padres Xander Bogaerts (.236/.674).

More MLB News:​

• Phillies' Kyle Schwarber's efforts may not be enough to start the All-Star game
• Blue Jays acquire starting rotation depth from the Twins
• Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani seems poised to win his fourth straight MVP award
• Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll may need a historic season to win the MVP
• Phillies' Kyle Schwarber seems poised to finish second fiddle for MVP again

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