The Washington Nationals announced Saturday, the club exercised the 2023 contract options on general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez.
“Mike and Davey have been leading the Washington Nationals for several years and it is only right to continue with them at the forefront,” Nationals principal owner Mark D. Lerner said in a statement. “Mike has led us through many different phases of our organization and we believe his work during this current phase will pay off in the end. Davey has done a tremendous job in the clubhouse and in the dugout for five seasons. His continued determination and unwavering support of his players makes us proud. We are lucky to have Mike and Davey leading the way.”
Rizzo has been with the organization since 2007. Promoted to GM in 2009, Rizzo added the title of President of Baseball Operations to his resume in 2013.
Rizzo arrived under the Lerners ownership. Under his leadership, the Nationals rebuild its roster leading to the club’s first NL East division title in 2012 en route to three division titles in four years. Ultimately the club got over the hump and won the franchise’s first World Series title in 2019.
Martinez became the Nationals manager in 2018 after a decade as a coach with the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs primarily under manager Joe Maddon.
He is Rizzo’s fifth manager hired. After a disappointing first season in 2018, Martinez pushed all the right buttons despite a historically bad bullpen to lead Washington to the World Series title the following year. It’s been the only time the Nationals have made the postseason in Martinez’s five seasons as manager.
Injuries and COVID derailed the team’s campaign to repeat in 2020. As the injuries continued in 2021 and with the roster aging, Rizzo embarked on another rebuild. The trades of Max Scherzer, Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber highlighted the team’s new direction.
This season, the Nationals have struggled with a 29-50 last place record. The club is focused on developing its young core. They’ve replenished their farm system through the draft and trades. Additionally, the Nats’ top priority is re-signing 23-year old superstar Juan Soto while building a roster to surround him.
As the Nationals move forward into 2023, Rizzo will continue to construct the roster. Meanwhile, Martinez will continue to be skipper.
