Four years after being acquired by the Washington Nationals in the trade that sent Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres, CJ Abrams and James Wood have developed into cornerstones for the franchise and are each earning National League All-Star honors. Both players were named to the roster for the MLB All-Star Game set for July 14 in Philadelphia, marking their second selections to the event.

Abrams earned his spot as a starter through fan voting, making him the first shortstop in Nationals history to start in an All-Star Game. Wood was selected as an outfield reserve. Abrams previously made the National League All-Star team in 2024, while Wood joined the roster in 2025.

Reflecting on their shared journey, Abrams commented, “Me and James go way back to San Diego, and now we’re here doing our thing, so it’s going to be fun.”

This season, Abrams is having a career-best campaign. He is hitting .270 with a .502 slugging percentage and an .852 OPS, all of which would top his personal records if the season were to end today. Abrams has also registered 18 home runs and 60 runs batted in, approaching his highest totals in those categories. He currently leads National League shortstops in home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage.

Wood, meanwhile, entered play on Saturday batting .267 with 22 home runs — the third-highest home run total in the league and the highest among outfielders. Wood also leads National League outfielders in runs scored (76) and walks (66), while ranking second in slugging percentage (.529) and OPS (.918).

“I’m just super grateful to be able to stay healthy and to have a good group of coaches and teammates around me. It’s helped me play at that level, and it’s been recognized, so it’s pretty cool,” Wood said.

Wood, who participated in last year’s Home Run Derby but did not advance past the first round, is undecided about competing in the event again this season.

Both players acknowledged that this year’s All-Star experience holds the promise to be more enjoyable and less overwhelming. “The first time, it was like a whirlwind, so I think I’ll be able to slow it down a little more this time,” Wood said.

In addition to Abrams and Wood, Nationals pitcher Foster Griffin is having a strong first half. Following a solid outing on Friday, Griffin lowered his ERA to 2.87, the ninth-best in the National League, while his 103 1/3 innings pitched rank fourth in the league. Though not initially selected, Griffin remains a potential replacement if a rostered pitcher is unable to participate in the All-Star Game.