After a scorching start to the 2025 season, CJ Abrams found himself in a tough 17-game slump, batting just .143 with a .430 OPS. As the Nationals opened their series against the Mets, questions swirled: would Abrams let the slump derail his All-Star campaign, or could he bounce back in time to make a run toward his second straight Midsummer Classic — this time in his hometown of Atlanta? Tuesday night offered a promising sign. Abrams went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a home run, and a hit-by-pitch — his best performance since mid-May and a clear reminder of what he can bring when he's locked in at the top of the lineup.

The turnaround came after a brief break from the lineup and a pregame conversation with manager Davey Martinez focused on one thing: pitch selection. Abrams responded by staying disciplined at the plate and attacking pitches in the strike zone. His teammates and manager praised the performance, noting his ability to impact the game in every scoring sequence. Now, the key to sustaining this form will be limiting chase rates and maintaining his patient, aggressive approach. If he can do that, Abrams could not only carry the Nationals’ offense but punch his ticket to the All-Star Game in front of a hometown crowd.