Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams already has six doubles, four triples and seven home runs, but the loudest roar he received from his teammates in the first month of the season came on March 30, when he looked at a fastball just off the outside corner for ball 4—and for his third walk of the day.
“Whoa!” shouted second baseman Luis García Jr. “Barry Bonds!”
Abrams understood his friends’ surprise: Only 10 qualified hitters walked less often than his 5.2% last year. This season he’s above average at 8.7%, and he’s also reduced his strikeout percentage from 19.2 to 17.3. The underlying numbers suggest he’s still swinging at too many balls, especially over the past week or two, but he’s also making contact with them, and the Nationals will take it: By wins above replacement, at 23 and in his second full season, Abrams has been the ninth most valuable hitter in the sport.
