Nationals demote CJ Abrams, GM maintains long-term vision

Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo confirmed that the team's long-term view of CJ Abrams remains unchanged despite his recent demotion to Triple-A Rochester. This decision, made for internal reasons, came after Abrams had a solid season, hitting .246 with 20 home runs and earning his first All-Star selection. Rizzo emphasized that the demotion was not a reflection of Abrams' talent but rather a necessary step to maintain accountability within the organization. The general manager also addressed rumors surrounding Abrams' behavior prior to the demotion, indicating that the decision was made for the betterment of the team. As the Nationals conclude another losing season, Rizzo highlighted the need for the franchise to be active in the offseason, focusing on both player development and potential acquisitions to strengthen the roster. He expressed confidence in Abrams as a key player in the team's rebuilding efforts, which began after trading Juan Soto to San Diego in 2022. Rizzo's comments reflect a commitment to building a competitive team while ensuring that players adhere to the organization's standards.