The Washington Nationals fired longtime President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez on Sunday, with owner Mark D. Lerner citing the need for “a fresh approach and new energy” after years of disappointing on-field performance.
The moves end tenures that included the franchise’s first World Series championship in 2019 but have been marked by struggles in recent seasons.
“While we are appreciative of their past successes, the on-field performance has not been where we or our fans expect it to be,” Lerner said in a statement. “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.”
Rizzo, who joined the organization nearly 20 years ago as the Lerner family’s first hire after assuming control of the team, oversaw the transformation from the relocated Montreal Expos to World Series champions. He played an instrumental role in developing the farm system and building the roster that reached what Lerner called “an unprecedented level of organizational success.”
Martinez managed the team for almost eight years, including the memorable 2019 championship season. Lerner praised Martinez’s ability to connect with players, staff, fans and the community, calling his passion for baseball and love for his players distinguishing characteristics.
“For almost eight years, he’s led our organization during some of our greatest moments, including a 2019 season we’ll never forget,” Lerner said. “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.”
The Nationals named Senior Vice President and Assistant General Manager Mike DeBartolo as interim general manager. DeBartolo will oversee all baseball operations, including the upcoming MLB First-Year Player Draft, working alongside other key department members.
The team plans to announce an interim manager Monday.
DeBartolo, a Bedford, Massachusetts, native, started with the Nationals as an intern in 2012 and has served as assistant general manager since 2019. He has been involved in contract and trade negotiations, MLB rules matters, player evaluation, salary arbitration and other operations throughout the organization.
“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.”
The timing of the moves comes as the Nationals hold the top pick in the upcoming draft, giving the organization a valuable asset as it looks to rebuild. Lerner emphasized the family’s continued commitment to winning and bringing another World Series trophy to Washington.
“Nationals fans have a lot to be optimistic about, and we see these changes as a difficult, but necessary move in a positive direction,” Lerner said. “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.”