Red-hot Abrams belts 1st Double-A HR

May 9th, 2021

The Padres have a lot of young talent on display in the Majors, but let's not forget there's more where that came from. 

CJ Abrams, the club's No. 2 prospect and No. 8 prospect overall per MLB Pipeline, reminded us of that Sunday when he launched his first Double-A home run as part of a 3-for-5 performance in San Antonio's 7-5 win over Corpus Christi at Whataburger Field. The two-run shot in the fifth inning sailed over the left-center field wall and demonstrated Abrams' opposite-field power.

The 20-year-old shortstop has moved through San Diego's farm system quickly since being drafted sixth overall in 2019 out of high school. He impressed right away in the Rookie-level Arizona League, being named MVP after hitting .401 with 23 extra-base hits and 14 steals in 32 games. Though the Minor League season was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Abrams continued to impress at the Padres' alternate training site while strengthening his defense.

Abrams seems destined for second base or center field since Fernando Tatis Jr. is at shortstop for the Padres, but that transition shouldn't be too difficult for a player with his speed and athleticism. So if you're planning on saying you saw him before he made his MLB debut, catch Abrams while you can.