The Washington Nationals have officially reached an agreement with Paul Toboni to join the Club as its President of Baseball Operations.

Widely regarded as one of the best young executives in baseball, Toboni will bring a fresh voice to the organization, providing valuable experience in scouting and player development to build around the Nationals talented core of young star players.

Toboni comes to the Nationals from the Boston Red Sox, where he most recently held the title of Senior Vice President, Assistant General Manager. In his time with Boston, Toboni oversaw player development at the Major and Minor League levels as well as the MLB First-Year Player Draft and was one of the key voices in the organization’s larger baseball operations strategy.

Toboni is credited with modernizing Boston’s Draft and player development process, integrating traditional scouting and coaching with data-informed decision-making. From 2022-23, he served as the Club’s Vice President of Amateur Scouting and Player Development, during which time he oversaw the selection and development of Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer and other top prospects.

Toboni rose rapidly through the ranks in Boston, having joined the Red Sox as a baseball operations intern in 2015 before he moved into the position of area scout in northern Texas and northern Louisiana. He served in the capacity of Assistant Director of Amateur Scouting from 2017-19 and was named Director of Amateur Scouting in 2019 at just 29 years old.

A native of San Francisco, Toboni received a bachelor’s degree in political economics at the University of California Berkeley, where he played baseball and was a member of the Bears’ 2011 College World Series team. He earned a Master of Business Administration from Notre Dame with a specialization in finance and analytics.

Toboni will be formally introduced in a press conference today, Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 9:00 a.m.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: 

Washington Nationals President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni:
I’d like to thank the Lerner, Cohen and Tanenbaum families for trusting me with this tremendous opportunity. I’m grateful to have their support in executing a vision for the organization that is focused on identifying, acquiring and developing the best talent in the sport. The Washington Nationals are a proud franchise with passionate fans in one of the best cities in the world, and I’m honored to lead the baseball operations department as we work toward becoming the highest performing organization in baseball. 

Washington Nationals Managing Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner:
Paul is a truly impressive young man. We are confident that he’s going to bring a fresh approach to our organization. He has earned the respect of other executives around the league for his leadership, vision and ability to build and maintain a top-level farm system. He is known for building strong bonds with players, helping to maximize their performance at the Major League level. We’re so excited about today’s announcement and can’t wait to see what Paul does next. 

Washington Nationals Principal Owner Edward L. Cohen:
When we set out to find a leader for our baseball operations, our goal was to find someone who would build a world-class department that drafts and attracts top talent, develops great players, and becomes a destination where free agents want to play. We found that leader in Paul. He’s smart, collaborative, communicative and is someone that can get the very best out of our players. Welcome to Washington, Paul – we’re proud to call you part of the family. 

Washington Nationals Principal Owner Robert K. Tanenbaum:
Together, we ran a structured and thoughtful search for the head of our baseball operations department. After meeting with several terrific candidates, we came out with an exciting and unanimous decision. Paul has a clear plan and vision for the organization, and we’re thrilled to be able to support him as he creates and grows a culture of success that will carry through our ball club, in our city and with our fans. 

Chaim Bloom, St. Louis Cardinals President of Baseball Operations; Former Boston Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer:
Paul is one of the most talented people I’ve worked with; he combines a focus on details and process with great baseball instincts and feel for the game. In working with him I saw a fearless decision-maker, a progressive thinker, and a family man. The Nationals are lucky to have him. 

Craig Breslow, Boston Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer:
Paul is an exceptional baseball mind and an even better teammate. He leads with clarity and conviction, and his approach has consistently elevated those around him. The Nationals are getting a creative, driven leader who cares deeply about people and about doing things the right way. I couldn’t be happier for him and look forward to seeing all that he’ll accomplish in Washington. 

Jeff Passan, ESPN.com:
“…widely regarded as one of the best young executives in MLB.” 

Grant Paulsen, 106.7 FM The Fan
“…one of baseball’s rising front office stars.”

Will Flemming, Boston Red Sox Radio Broadcaster:
“Paul Toboni is an absolute stud.”