It was a matter of time before the San Diego Padres found a new home for C.J. Abrams. Although he is one of the top shortstop prospects in the game, his path to the majors is blocked by Fernando Tatis Jr. If Abrams is going to be a part of the Padres’ future, he will need to find a new place to play.
That quest has begun. According to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com, Abrams is starting to get a look in right field.
San Diego Padres trying to find a new home for C.J. Abrams
Abrams has likely spent time in the outfield before a game previously. Players shag fly balls during batting practice, getting a feel for the walls and how the sun could impact their ability to track the ball off the bat. The difference is that he is getting formal instruction at the position, learning the proper way to track balls and run routes in the outfield.
It is clear why the Padres would want to get Abrams to the majors as quickly as they can. He is considered their top prospect by MLB.com, a player with 80 grade speed who has a knack for putting the bat on the ball. He has added more pop as well, driving the ball around the yard and would seem to eventually grade out as average in that department.
Although he played just 42 games in Double-A last season due to injuries, he certainly lived up to his scouting reports. Abrams posted a .296/.363/.420 batting line in his 183 plate appearances, hitting 14 doubles and stealing 13 bases. He is the type of player that would be at home in the leadoff spot, setting the table for the Padres’ run producers for years to come.
But it comes down to finding a place for him going forward. Unless Tatis ends up moving to the outfield himself due to his shoulder woes, a position change will be in Abrams’ future. If it can get him to the majors even faster, the Padres will make it happen.
The San Diego Padres were going to need to find a new defensive home for C.J. Abrams. It appears as though he will be heading to right field for now.