CJ Abrams is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young stars in Major League Baseball. Known for his blazing speed, smooth defense, and growing power at the plate, Abrams has made a name for himself as the starting shortstop for the Washington Nationals.
Since his MLB debut in 2022, he’s impressed fans and coaches with his athleticism and work ethic. Abrams earned his first All-Star selection, a sign that his career is on a fast track to stardom. With a new contract, rising salary, and growing endorsement deals, Abrams is not just a key player for the Nationals but also a rising figure in the baseball world.
This article covers everything you need to know about CJ Abrams in 2025, from his personal life and early career to his professional journey, net worth, contract details, and more.
CJ Abrams’ Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Christopher Abrams Jr. |
| Date of Birth | October 3, 2000 |
| Age | 24 |
| Birthplace | Alpharetta, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Education | Blessed Trinity Catholic High School |
| Turned Pro | 2019 (Drafted 6th overall by Padres) |
| Net Worth | $7 million |
| Salary | $800,000 |
| Career Earnings | $8,486,262 |
| Wife/Girlfriend | N/A |
| Children | None |
| Instagram Profile | @cj__abrams |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
CJ Abrams grew up in Roswell, Georgia, just north of Atlanta. From a young age, baseball was a huge part of his life. His father, Chris Abrams, played a major role in his development, often pitching to him in the backyard and coming up with creative ways to help him improve his swing.
Abrams attended Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, where he became a standout player. He was known for his lightning-fast speed, strong arm, and ability to hit for both average and power. During his high school years, Abrams was recognized as one of the top prospects in the country.
Abrams played for Team USA in the U-18 Pan-American Championships, helping the team win gold and earning a spot on the All-Tournament team. As a senior in 2019, he hit .431 with three home runs and 27 RBIs, earning him the Georgia Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year award. His performance caught the attention of scouts across the country, and he was widely considered a top-10 pick for the MLB Draft.
Although Abrams committed to play college baseball at the University of Alabama, he chose to go pro when the San Diego Padres selected him sixth overall in the 2019 MLB Draft. He quickly signed with the Padres, receiving a $5.2 million signing bonus.
Abrams began his professional career in the Arizona League, where he immediately showed off his hitting skills, batting .393 in his first season. His speed on the basepaths and ability to make contact with the ball made him a standout among his peers.
The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Abrams continued to train at the Padres’ alternate site, working on his skills and staying ready for the next opportunity.
In 2021, he jumped to Double-A with the San Antonio Missions, where he continued to impress, batting .296 with 13 stolen bases in just 42 games. Unfortunately, his season was cut short by injury, but he had already proven he was one of the top prospects in all of baseball.
Professional Career
CJ Abrams’ professional career has been marked by rapid growth, resilience, and flashes of brilliance. After being drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2019, Abrams made an immediate impact in the minor leagues, hitting .393 in his debut season.
The canceled 2020 season slowed his progress, but he stayed sharp at the Padres’ alternate training site. In 2021, he was promoted to Double-A, where he continued to showcase his hitting ability and speed, despite missing time due to injury.
Abrams made his MLB debut with the Padres on April 8, 2022. He was thrust into the spotlight as a rookie, filling in for the injured Fernando Tatis Jr. While his numbers in San Diego were modest, with a .232 average and 2 home runs in 46 games, Abrams showed flashes of his potential. He also spent time in Triple-A, where he hit .314 in 30 games, further proving he was ready for the next level.
The turning point in Abrams’ career came on August 2, 2022, when he was traded to the Washington Nationals as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Juan Soto to the Padres. The Nationals viewed Abrams as a cornerstone for their rebuilding efforts. After a brief stint in Triple-A with the Rochester Red Wings, he was called up to the Nationals, where he finished the season strong, batting .258 in 44 games.
In 2023, Abrams became the Nationals’ everyday shortstop. He played 151 games, hitting .245 with 18 home runs, 64 RBIs, and an impressive 47 stolen bases. His speed made him one of the most dangerous base runners in the league, and his defense at shortstop continued to improve. Abrams also made history by becoming the youngest player in Nationals franchise history to hit a grand slam, doing so in April 2023.
CJ Abrams’ Net Worth Details
CJ Abrams’ net worth is estimated to be $7 million as of 2025.
Contract
CJ Abrams is currently playing under a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals for the 2025 MLB season, earning a base salary of $800,000. As a young player still in his pre-arbitration years, his salary is determined by the team and is expected to rise as he becomes eligible for salary arbitration in 2026.
Abrams’ contract is fully guaranteed for the season, and he remains under team control through the 2028 season, with free agency projected in 2029. This contract reflects his growing value to the Nationals and positions him for significant pay increases as he continues to develop and perform at a high level.
Salary
For the 2025 season, CJ Abrams is earning a base salary of $800,000 as the starting shortstop for the Washington Nationals. This salary reflects his status as a pre-arbitration player, meaning his pay is set by the team and is typical for players with his level of MLB service time.
As Abrams continues to perform well and gains more experience, his salary is expected to increase significantly once he becomes eligible for arbitration in 2026. For now, his $800,000 salary represents both his steady rise in professional baseball and the Nationals’ confidence in his potential.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team(s) | Cash Total | Cash Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | San Diego Padres | $5,200,000 | $5,200,000 |
| 2022 | Padres/Nationals | $507,672 | $5,707,672 |
| 2023 | Washington Nationals | $1,021,223 | $6,728,895 |
| 2024 | Washington Nationals | $957,367 | $7,686,262 |
| 2025 | Washington Nationals | $800,000 | $8,486,262 |
| Total | $8,486,262 |
Endorsements
CJ Abrams has begun to attract endorsement deals as his profile in Major League Baseball continues to rise. Represented by Roc Nation Sports, Abrams has partnered with brands such as Paper Planes, a popular lifestyle and clothing company. These endorsements reflect his appeal both on and off the field, thanks to his exciting playing style and positive public image.
MLB Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | AB | Runs | Hits | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | SD/WSH | 90 | 284 | 33 | 70 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 21 | 5 | 50 | 7 | .246 | .280 | .324 | .604 |
| 2023 | Washington | 151 | 563 | 83 | 138 | 28 | 6 | 18 | 64 | 32 | 118 | 47 | .245 | .300 | .412 | .712 |
| 2024 | Washington | 138 | 541 | 79 | 133 | 29 | 6 | 20 | 65 | 40 | 128 | 31 | .246 | .314 | .433 | .747 |
| 2025 | Washington | 13 | 55 | 7 | 13 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 3 | 13 | 5 | .235 | .278 | .560 | .813 |
| Career | 392 | 1,443 | 202 | 354 | 73 | 15 | 44 | 159 | 80 | 309 | 90 | .245 | .301 | .407 |
FAQs
1. What is CJ Abrams’ full name and where was he born?
CJ Abrams’ full name is Paul Christopher Abrams. He was born on October 3, 2000, in Alpharetta, Georgia. He attended Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, Georgia, where he excelled as a top baseball prospect.
2. Which MLB teams has CJ Abrams played for and how did he enter the league?
CJ Abrams was drafted by the San Diego Padres as the sixth overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut with the Padres in April 2022. In August 2022, he was traded to the Washington Nationals as part of a deal involving Juan Soto and Josh Bell.
3. What position does CJ Abrams play and what are his physical attributes?
CJ Abrams primarily plays shortstop. He stands 6-foot-2 and weighs around 185 pounds. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed, which is typical for his position and allows for strong defensive range and versatility.
4. What are CJ Abrams’ notable career statistics up to 2025?
CJ Abrams had played in 1,447 MLB at-bats, posting a .245 batting average, 44 home runs, 160 RBIs, and 90 stolen bases. His on-base plus slugging (OPS) was .706, reflecting both his speed and developing power.
5. What makes CJ Abrams stand out as a player?
CJ Abrams is known for his elite speed, athleticism, and ability to make hard contact with the ball. He has been clocked at 6.29 seconds in the 60-yard dash and regularly runs from home to first in under four seconds. His quickness makes him a premier stolen base threat and allows him to cover significant ground defensively.
6. Has CJ Abrams received any special honors or recognitions?
CJ Abrams was named an NL All-Star for the first time in 2024. In high school, he was the Gatorade Player of the Year in Georgia, and he was also the MVP of the Rookie-level Arizona League after hitting .401 in his first professional season.
7. What injuries has CJ Abrams faced during his MLB career?
CJ Abrams was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right hip flexor strain. He returned to play later that month after completing a rehab assignment. Injuries have occasionally interrupted his playing time, but he has consistently returned to form.
8. What is CJ Abrams’ reputation as a defender?
CJ Abrams is regarded as a plus defender at shortstop, with excellent range and reliable hands. While his arm strength is considered average, his quick release and accuracy compensate for it. Some scouts have suggested he could also excel in center field due to his speed.
9. What significant MLB records or milestones has CJ Abrams achieved?
CJ Abrams became the first player in MLB history to record at least seven home runs, six stolen bases, and four triples in his first 25 games of a season. This unique combination highlights his rare blend of power, speed, and hitting ability.
10. What community or off-field activities is CJ Abrams known for?
CJ Abrams has been active in community service, volunteering for organizations like the Muscular Dystrophy Association and CURE Childhood Cancer. He has also served as a youth baseball camp counselor, showing a commitment to giving back beyond his on-field achievements.
