Nationals Make Shock Move: Fire Manager Dave Martinez & GM Mike Rizzo Amid Losing Skid
By Oliver Wiener July 08, 2025 21:12
In a stunning shakeup that reverberated across Major League Baseball, the Washington Nationals announced on July 6, 2025, the dismissal of both manager Dave Martinez and general manager Mike Rizzo. The decision comes amid a frustrating season that has seen the Nationals languish at the bottom of the National League East with a 37-53 record, marking their sixth consecutive losing campaign since their 2019 World Series triumph.
Team owner Mark Lerner expressed gratitude for the duo’s contributions but emphasized the need for change. “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 in an official statement. “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”.
Mike Rizzo, 64, had been the Nationals’ top baseball executive since 2009 and was instrumental in building the team that captured Washington’s first-ever World Series title in 2019. Under his leadership, the Nationals secured four division titles (2014, 2016, 2017, and 2019) and made multiple postseason appearances. Manager Dave Martinez, 60, who joined the team in 2018, guided the Nationals to that historic championship, posting a 500-622 record over eight seasons. However, since the pinnacle of 2019, the franchise has struggled to regain its footing, failing to finish higher than fourth place in the division and enduring a rebuild that has yet to bear fruit.
The timing of the firings surprised many, coming just days before the MLB Draft in which the Nationals hold the coveted No. 1 overall pick. Assistant GM Mike DeBartolo was immediately named interim general manager and tasked with overseeing the draft and trade deadline strategy. The team has yet to announce an interim manager, though Miguel Cairo, the bench coach, is the leading candidate.
The Nationals’ recent performance offers context for the drastic move. June was particularly brutal, with the team posting a 7-19 record, including an 11-game losing streak. Offensively, the Nationals have struggled mightily, averaging just 2.5 runs per game during their June slide and scoring one run or fewer in seven games since June 1. In their latest loss to the Boston Red Sox, Washington left 15 runners on base, underscoring the team’s inability to capitalize in critical moments.
Despite the infusion of young talent such as All-Stars James Wood, MacKenzie Gore, CJ Abrams, and Dylan Crews the Nationals’ rebuild has proceeded slower than anticipated. While these prospects offer hope for the future, the immediate results have been disappointing, leading to mounting pressure on the front office and coaching staff.
The decision to part ways with Rizzo and Martinez also reflects a broader organizational impatience. Lerner acknowledged Rizzo’s long tenure and impact, noting, “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.” Yet, the sustained struggles and stalled rebuild ultimately outweighed past accomplishments.
Martinez’s departure was particularly unexpected given his popularity within the clubhouse and among fans. His motivational leadership during the 2019 championship run, including phrases like “Go 1-0 every day” and “Bumpy roads lead to beautiful places,” remains a cherished memory. However, recent comments perceived as deflecting blame may have contributed to ownership’s decision.
Looking ahead, the Nationals face a critical juncture. With DeBartolo at the helm of baseball operations and a managerial vacancy to fill, the organization must chart a clear path forward to maximize its young core and rebuild credibility with a frustrated fan base. The upcoming draft and trade deadline will be pivotal in shaping the franchise’s trajectory.
The firing of Dave Martinez and Mike Rizzo marks the end of an era for the Washington Nationals. While their legacy includes the franchise’s crowning achievement, the team’s current struggles demanded decisive action. As the Nationals embark on this new chapter, the hope is that fresh leadership can accelerate the rebuild and restore competitiveness to a once-proud organization.
The Nationals’ next moves will be closely watched as the franchise seeks to rebuild and recapture the success that once made Washington a baseball powerhouse.
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