CJ Abrams Hits 27 Homers, Breaks Nationals Record

CJ Abrams is rewriting the record books and giving Washington baseball fans something to cheer about.

The 23-year-old shortstop blasted two home runs in Sunday's 10-7 victory over the Diamondbacks, pushing his season total to 27 and breaking Ian Desmond's 2012 record for most homers by a Nationals shortstop. With the win, Washington pulled within one game of Arizona for the final National League Wild Card spot.

Abrams is in the middle of a power surge that hasn't been seen in Washington since 2021. Over his last seven games, he's hit seven home runs while batting an incredible .567 with 14 RBIs.

His first homer on Sunday was particularly impressive. After falling behind 0-2 against left-handed pitcher Kohl Drake, Abrams golfed a low curveball the opposite way to left field, unsure if he'd cleared the fence until video review confirmed it.

"I don't know how I did that," Abrams told his manager Blake Butera, who called it the most impressive home run he'd ever seen Abrams hit. The humble shortstop was actually frustrated with himself for swinging at earlier pitches.

Abrams added a two-run shot in the fifth inning that gave Washington the lead for good. Teammate James Wood also hit two homers in the game, making them the seventh pair of Nationals to both go deep twice in the same contest.

Why This Inspires

What makes Abrams' breakout season special isn't just the numbers. It's his attitude and approach that show what's possible when talent meets hard work and mental clarity.

"I've been swinging at better pitches," Abrams explained after the game. "Good things happen when I'm relaxed." That simple philosophy about staying calm under pressure and trusting his preparation has transformed him from a promising player into a franchise record holder.

For a Nationals team that's battled to stay in playoff contention, Abrams represents hope for both this season and the future. His success validates the work he's put in behind the scenes and shows young players everywhere that breakthroughs often come when you combine discipline with confidence.

The record he broke belonged to Ian Desmond, a beloved former National. Now Abrams carries that torch forward, proving that each generation can build on what came before.

With nearly two months left in the season and a playoff race heating up, Washington fans have every reason to believe their young shortstop has more magic left in his bat.