"The Nats learned that their internal philosophies must change. Ownership recognized this and fired both Mike Rizzo and Davey Martinez in July of 2025. The timing of the firings was unexpected. Most Nats fans expected Darnell Coles and Jim Hickey to be let go before Davey. Almost all fans could've agreed that none of the firings would be in-season. It showed an urgency from ownership that change needed to happen, and fast."
"A new President of Baseball Operations, Paul Toboni, was hired to lead the front office. He's named two assistant GM's, John Horowitz and David Pearson and retained Mike DeBartolo as the third assistant GM. Toboni made arguably the biggest splash of the offseason in hiring 33-year-old Blake Butera as the manager of the Nats. Butera is the youngest coach in the Majors since 1972."
The Nationals suffered an abysmal 2025 season that prompted in-season firings of President Mike Rizzo and manager Davey Martinez in July 2025. Interim GM Mike DeBartolo called for real change. Paul Toboni was hired as President of Baseball Operations and named John Horowitz and David Pearson assistant GMs while retaining DeBartolo. Toboni hired 33-year-old Blake Butera as manager, the youngest Major League coach since 1972. Butera's staff includes bench coach Michael Johns, pitching coach Simon Matthews, and catching coordinator Bobby Wilson. The organization shifted philosophy toward analytical hires across the coaching staff and front office.
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