The Washington Nationals were in dire need of a victory heading into Thursday afternoon's contest against the Colorado Rockies. In the 2 games prior to yesterday, the Nationals had only mustered a pair of runs against one of the worst teams in baseball, and even had their effort called out by manager Blake Butera publicly, although he also made a costly mistake of his own.
Needless to say, the Nationals got their skipper's message. During yesterday's game, the Nationals were notably much more aggressive, especially on the bases, where some instinctive baserunning moments early on by guys like Dylan Crews and Jacob Young helped the team get out to an early lead that they would not relinquish for the rest of the game.
The Nationals won yesterday's contest 7-1, and their offense impressed from the top down. Everyone in their lineup notched at least 1 hit except for Jorbit Vivas (shocker), but at least he walked twice to at least contribute somewhat on offense. They had 13 hits, and their All-Star shortstop was on base twice with a single and walk, just a few days after he made Nationals history while joining elite company.
Nationals' CJ Abrams joins elite company after achieving 25-25 season
CJ Abrams made history in Monday night's game against the Rockies after stealing his 25th base of the season, and he joined some elite company in the process. On the team history side of things, he became just the only other player in the entire existence of the Washington Nationals to log a 25 homer and 25 steal season, joining Alfonso Soriano, who achieved a 40-40 season during his historic 2006 year, the only one he would spend in Washington.
Thought this list was longer, but these are the 25-25 seasons in Nats history:
— Spencer Nusbaum (@spencernusbaum_) August 25, 2026
2006 Alfonso Soriano, who went 40-40
2026 CJ Abrams, who just stole his 25th and 26th base tonight
Around the league, Abrams joined a club of MLB players who currently have 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases that only has one other player in it, Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs. He is the current frontrunner for National League MVP and now has company as one of 2 players in the entire league that have achieved the feat.
Needless to say, joining Alfonso Soriano, who coincidentally played for both the Nationals and Cubs, atop the list in Nationals history is an amazing accomplishment. Joining PCA with that same feat also shows just how good Abrams has been this year, and if he was worth more as a defensive player and the Nationals had a better record, there is a very good argument to be made that Abrams would be involved in the MVP discussion.
Nonetheless, this is a big deal for the Nationals' All-Star infielder, and we will be eagerly awaiting him to make his debut at second base within the next few days.
Do you think CJ Abrams will be able to achieve a 30-30 season this year? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.
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