The Washington Nationals today announced the replacement of longtime President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo and Manager Dave Martinez, citing the need for a fresh approach and new energy. Washington Nationals Managing Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner made today’s announcement.
“On behalf of our family and the Washington Nationals organization, I first and foremost want to thank Mike and Davey for their contributions to our franchise and our city,” Lerner said. “Our family is eternally grateful for their years of dedication to the organization, including their roles in bringing a World Series trophy to Washington, D.C. While we are appreciative of their past successes, the on-field performance has not been where we or our fans expect it to be. This is a pivotal time for our Club, and we believe a fresh approach and new energy is the best course of action for our team moving forward."
Senior Vice President & Assistant General Manager, Baseball Operations, Mike DeBartolo has been named Interim General Manager. DeBartolo will oversee all aspects of baseball operations, including the upcoming MLB First-Year Player Draft, alongside other key members of the department. An announcement will be made on the interim manager sometime on Monday.
“Mike DeBartolo is a smart and thoughtful executive, and we’re fortunate to have him as part of our organization,” Lerner said. “As we hold the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s MLB Draft and look ahead to the trade deadline, we are confident in his ability to lead the baseball operations staff through these next, important months.”
DeBartolo has worked across the organization to aid in decisions affecting all facets of baseball operations, assisting with contract and trade negotiations, MLB rules, player evaluation, salary arbitration and other operations. Originally from Bedford, Mass., DeBartolo joined the Nationals in 2012 as an intern and has worked in an Assistant General Manager capacity since 2019.
"Nationals fans have a lot to be optimistic about, and we see these changes as a difficult, but necessary move in a positive direction," added Lerner. "As has been the case since my late father took control of the team almost 20 years ago, our family remains committed to winning and bringing another World Series trophy to Washington, D.C."
Mark D. Lerner Statement on Mike Rizzo:
"When our family assumed control of the team, nearly 20 years ago, Mike was the first hire we made. Over two decades, he was with us as we went from a fledging team in a new city to World Series champions. He played an instrumental role in leading the transformation of our farm system and building a roster that reached an unprecedented level of organizational success. Mike helped make us who we are as an organization, and we're so thankful to him for his hard work and dedication - not just on the field and in the front office, but in the community as well. We wish him and his family nothing but the best."
Mark D. Lerner Statement on Dave Martinez:
"I've always appreciated and admired Davey's passion for the game of baseball and the love he has for his players. For almost eight years, he's led our organization during some of our greatest moments, including a 2019 season we'll never forget. Davey's ability to connect with our staff, our players, our fans and our community set him apart. While this chapter has come to an end, we know that it doesn't close the book on what should continue to be a long and successful career in baseball."