Nats’ infield duo Abrams, García brings stability up the middle originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
WASHINGTON — The Nationals’ infield defense is showing signs of improvement, and it’s easy to see why.
For much of this season, Washington trotted out an infield made up of Maikel Franco at third base, Alcides Escobar or Luis García playing shortstop, César Hernández at second and Josh Bell holding down first. That group has seen some significant turnover over the last six weeks following a slew of roster moves and their infield looks completely different.
Luke Voit took over for Bell at first when the blockbuster trade centered around Juan Soto resulted in them swapping teams. García has shifted over to second base to make room for CJ Abrams, another key piece in the Soto deal. At third, journeyman Ildemaro Vargas has earned himself an extended look with strong play both at the plate and in the field.
Since Abrams joined the Nationals’ big-league club on August 15, Washington has allowed a .222 batting average on groundballs — seventh best in baseball. Prior to that date, their .282 average on such plays was tied with the Cincinnati Reds for the worst in the sport. Abrams, a top prospect entering the year, has garnered national attention for his impressive play at short.
“He’s been really good,” manager Davey Martinez said in his pregame press conference Tuesday. “I’m watching him make plays that I haven’t seen made in quite a while. So, with that being said, there’s still some room for growth but the biggest thing I talk about is his preparation, his first step to the baseball. He’s been really, really good and really quick.
“He’s only gonna get better too and I love watching him play. He makes our defense and he makes our pitching staff a lot better when he’s out there.”
He’s not the only one, though. García struggled mightily at shortstop, racking up -17 Defensive Runs Saved in just over 500 innings. In 123 2/3 innings at second heading into play Wednesday, he sat at +2 DRS with only two errors compared to 13 at short. His improved play in the field coupled with Abrams’s arrival is a combination the Nationals hope to see for a long time.
Both Abrams, 21, and García, 22, are under contract through at least the 2027 season. The Nationals have invested heavily into each of them; Abrams arrived at the expense of a generational player and García received one of the largest international…