CJ Abrams was the first player of the group acquired for Juan Soto to reach the majors as a National, and on the night Soto returned as a Yankee, Abrams was in front of another one of those prospects (James Wood in left field) and staring at one that came another way from that era: Dylan Crews, who was the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2023 after Abrams and his 2022 Nats had the worst record in baseball.
They far exceeded expectations in 2023 and are doing so again in ’24, and now, the fruit of what was planted in ’22 and even earlier is blooming with the cherry blossoms in DC.
“James just came up and he's doing his thing, it’s fun to watch and, I think Dylan's gonna do the same. He's gonna come help us get wins,” Abrams told Grant & Danny during Monday’s BP. “We put in the work. We’re young, but just go out there and have fun. You're here for a reason. Play the game we've always played, and just have fun. Today’s a big day, he’ll let it soak in.”
Abrams had actually made his MLB debut with the Padres earlier in 2022, with his family there too, so he remembers there were nerves but, again, ‘just go out and have fun’ and don’t worry about any external pressure.
“You can't put too much on yourself; you go out there, and whatever happens, happens. Play as hard as you can, try to get a win, and know you're there for a reason,” Abrams said.