Abrams and Wood Named Silver Slugger Finalists
The Silver Slugger finalists were revealed on Thursday, with Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams and outfielder James Wood named as candidates for the prestigious honor at their respective positions. The announcement highlights the offensive production of two key figures in the Nationals' lineup during the 2026 season.
Abrams posted career-highs in home runs, RBIs, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS+. His performance placed him among an elite group of players in Major League Baseball history. Abrams became the third shortstop in MLB history to record at least 30 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and 100 RBIs in a single season.
By achieving this milestone, Abrams joined Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, who accomplished the feat in 2024, and Alex Rodriguez, who first recorded the combination in 1998. He is now competing against Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds and Otto Lopez of the Miami Marlins for the shortstop Silver Slugger Award.
Wood also earned finalist status after a strong offensive campaign. Before an oblique injury in August caused him to miss roughly a month of time, Wood hit 30 home runs with 77 RBIs and posted a .265/.388/.503 slash line. He is recognized as a two-time All-Star following the first half of the 2026 season.
Wood faces competition from Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs, Corbin Carroll of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers, and Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals for the outfield Silver Slugger Award.
Historical Context for Nationals Winners
If Abrams wins the award, he would become the second Nationals shortstop to receive the honor. He would follow Ian Desmond, who won the Silver Slugger in three consecutive years from 2012-14.
A victory for Wood would mark a different historical milestone for the franchise. If Wood wins, he would become the fourth Nationals outfielder to win the award. He would join Alfonso Soriano, Bryce Harper, and Juan Soto on that list of winners.