This story was excerpted from Jessica Camerato's Nationals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

CJ Abrams turned 21 years old last Oct. 3 while participating in the instructional league with the Padres. This season, he celebrated his 22nd birthday on Monday preparing to compete against the Mets at Citi Field as the Nationals' starting shortstop.

“It’s been kind of crazy,” Abrams, speaking on his birthday, said of the past year. “I’ve been all over the place. But I’m enjoying it, having fun playing baseball, living the dream, really.”

Abrams is the youngest member of the Nats’ starting lineup, born 4 1/2 months after second baseman Luis García. He also is the ninth-youngest player in the Majors.

Abrams, who debuted on April 8, already has 90 games of experience. He is viewed as a key piece of the Nationals’ future since being acquired from the Padres at the Trade Deadline.  

Entering Wednesday, Abrams ranks fourth in batting average (.314) and third in strikeout rate (8.5 percent) among National League players since Sept. 3. (His availability for the season finale on Wednesday is to be determined pending results of an MRI on his left shoulder after he exited Game 2 of Tuesday’s doubleheader following a diving defensive play.) 

“He's got those good baseball instincts,” manager Dave Martinez said. “He's learned a lot and shown how mature he is to absorb information and use it. He's just scratching the surface right now. We really believe this kid has a bright future with this organization, and hopefully he continues to grow.” 

There are many ways in which Abrams plays beyond his years. He considers his footwork and glovework on defense the biggest strides he has made since Spring Training. Since Abrams debuted with the Nationals on Aug. 15, they rank seventh with a .225 opponents’ batting average on ground balls, compared to 29th from Opening Day to Aug. 14.

Still, Abrams has a to-do list to tackle heading into the offseason.  

“I’ll be in Atlanta, working at home with my dad, lifting weights, trying to put a little weight on while keeping my speed,” said Abrams.  

And when he returns home one year older, Abrams will be able to unpack his rookie season -- literally. This year, he appeared in games for the Nationals, the Padres and both of their Triple-A affiliates (Rochester and El Paso).  

“Still have stuff in boxes [from February],” he said with a laugh. “Still living out of my suitcase.”