If you thought the Washington Nationals were going to ride out another lost season quietly, think again. In a bold, almost shocking move that has sent ripples across the league, the Nationals have parted ways with both Coach Dave Martinez and longtime General Manager Mike Rizzo. Yes, you read that right. The two architects behind the franchise’s only World Series title in 2019 are out—gone, just days before the 2025 MLB Draft, where the Nats hold the first overall pick.
The Washington National Heroes Are Out—Just in Time for the Draft
Let’s talk about the why. On paper, this seems abrupt. But dig a little deeper and the picture gets clearer—and a whole lot uglier. Washington is sitting on a 37-53 record, fresh off an embarrassing sweep at the hands of the Red Sox during the July 4th weekend. That’s not just a losing season—that’s a slow-motion trainwreck for a franchise trying to rebuild credibility, fan interest, and a winning culture. And apparently, patience in D.C. has finally run out.
Team owner Mark Lerner didn’t mince words in his statement. He thanked Martinez and Rizzo—graciously, of course—but made it very clear: this team needs a “fresh approach” and “new energy.” The old guard couldn’t get it done anymore. Rizzo’s been with the franchise since 2006, for crying out loud. That’s almost two decades of highs, lows, and everything in between. Martinez delivered the hardware, but the magic has been long gone since 2019. You don’t get to live off a title forever—not in this league.
DeBartolo Steps Into the Fire
In the interim, Mike DeBartolo—formerly assistant GM—will now run the show, including steering the ship through next week’s MLB Draft in Atlanta. And that’s where it gets interesting. DeBartolo isn’t some outsider parachuting in. He’s been working shoulder-to-shoulder with Rizzo. So yes, the draft prep remains intact. But the pressure ratcheted up to eleven. You’re holding the No. 1 pick. You’re making front office changes right now. That pick has to be a franchise-changer, or the fallout gets worse.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
Let’s not sugarcoat it: this is a full-scale course correction. It’s risky, it’s dramatic, and it’s happening immediately. With the number one pick looming, the Nationals have officially hit the reset button. The question is: can they make it count? Or will this be remembered as the moment they gambled—and lost—on the future of the franchise?
