Key Nationals Players to Watch in Second Half of the Season

With the All-Star break behind them, the Washington Nationals are looking to maintain their offensive momentum in the second half of the season. Among the players to watch are Dylan Crews and CJ Abrams, both of whom have critical roles to play as the team pushes forward.

Dylan Crews, the former second overall pick, has had a challenging start to his Major League career. After being called up in mid-May, he has struggled with a batting average of just .211 and an OPS of .613. Despite showcasing potential with 19 home runs and 34 stolen bases, his overall performance has not met expectations. If Crews cannot improve his hitting, he risks losing his position in the Nationals' outfield as the team looks to the future.

In contrast, CJ Abrams has enjoyed a productive season, earning a spot as the National League's starting shortstop in the All-Star game. However, he faces the challenge of overcoming a trend where his performance declines in the latter half of the season. Last year, Abrams saw his first-half batting average of .287 drop to .217 after the All-Star break. This pattern has persisted, with his second-half numbers in 2024 also reflecting a significant downturn. Currently, Abrams is hitting .275 with an .862 OPS, and he will need to maintain this level of play to solidify his role as a key contributor for the Nationals.

Both players have different challenges ahead, but their performances will be crucial as the Nationals aim to build on their success and address any lingering doubts about their offensive capabilities.