MLB All-Star Shortstop Demoted for Extended Trip to Chicago Casino

Washington Nationals All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams was demoted from the MLB for staying out all night at a Chicago casino during a team road trip.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez confirmed the decision on Saturday amid Washington’s trip to play the Chicago Cubs. Martinez also assured reporters that Abrams will return to the Nats’ MLB roster and “will be better” for it.

Abrams was sent to the Nationals’ minor league complex in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was also made a member of the Rochester Red Wings, the Nationals' Triple-A affiliate. 

Demoted for off-field issues

According to CHGO’s Cody Delmendo, Abrams was seen at Bally’s Chicago casino as late as 8:00 a.m. the same day as Washington’s 1:00 p.m. clash with the Cubs. 

Martinez claimed that Abrams’ demotion was strictly related to off-field incidents and had nothing to do with his performances. He also claimed that the pair had an emotional conversation during which he shared his support for the 23-year-old.

“I’m not going to give specifics or talk about specifics because I need to keep these guys and everything on the down low," Martinez said. "I’ve got other guys out there that I want to support. I’m going to support CJ. He’s a big part of our Nats family, and he will be. At this point, for me, it’s the right thing to do.”

Abrams ended up going 0-3 with a strikeout and a walk in Friday’s game. 

He will lose roughly $30,000 from his $752,000 salary for missing the final week of the season, though the demotion will not affect his service time. He may file a grievance through the Major League Baseball Players Union.

Abrams was a first-time All-Star this year. He hit .246 with 20 home runs and 65 RBIs primarily as the leadoff batter, led the team in runs and home runs, and was tied for the in hits.

Next steps 

Martinez’s comments implied that Abrams would return to the Nats’ Major League roster at some point after their regular season concludes on Sunday, September 29. Washington has already been eliminated from playoff contention. 

"For me, it's about taking care of the person first, and not the player, and I'm going to do everything I can to help him," Martinez said. "I love the kid. He's a good kid. He's going to be back."

Abrams is one of the centerpieces of a young Nationals team that showed signs of real promise this season, particularly in the back half of the year (though he struggled since the All-Star break).

The Bally’s casino Abrams visited was a temporary facility that is operating until the full-fledged facility opens, which is expected to be in September 2026.

The massive project worth $1.2 billion in total will contain 3,300 slots, 173 table games, VIP rooms, six restaurants, cafes, and a food hall. It is expected to generate $35 million in annual taxes, while the temporary facility already generated $6.8 million in tax payments during the first half of the year.