The Washington Nationals are facing a pivotal moment in their rebuild following the firings of GM Mike Rizzo and manager Davey Martinez. Interim GM Mike DeBartolo now has to guide the franchise through a crucial 2025 MLB Draft, trade deadline decisions, and potentially a massive trade involving ace MacKenzie Gore. With Gore’s value peaking and his free agency looming in 2027, the Nationals must decide whether to keep building around him or flip him for a haul of top prospects.

As the Nationals prepare to make the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft, the choice between prep slugger Ethan Holliday and college lefty Kade Anderson could shape their long-term identity. Meanwhile, trade chips like closer Kyle Finnegan and veteran Michael Soroka may be on the move as contenders circle. The Nationals stand at a crossroads: double down on their core or hit the reset button once again.

DAN ON TWITTER/X

https://x.com/dancaps218

PODCAST

https://x.com/TalkNatsPodcast

In his first public remarks as the Nationals’ interim head of baseball operations, Mike DeBartolo signaled a significant shift in organizational philosophy. While expressing gratitude to former GM Mike Rizzo and manager Davey Martinez, DeBartolo emphasized the need for real change — including integrating more data, technology, and innovation across scouting, player development, and medical evaluations. Though he's held key roles in the front office since 2012, DeBartolo framed himself as a reformer ready to modernize how the Nats operate at every level.

Despite the “interim” tag, DeBartolo will lead two major milestones this month: the MLB Draft, where the Nationals hold the first overall pick, and the trade deadline, which may involve tough calls on players like MacKenzie Gore. His bold tone contrasted with new interim manager Miguel Cairo, who paid tribute to Martinez and pledged continuity. Now, DeBartolo's performance in the coming weeks will serve as his live audition to turn a struggling franchise into a consistent contender — if ownership backs his vision with real investment.

https://x.com/dancaps218

https://x.com/TalkNatsPodcast

In the wake of the shocking double firing of manager Davey Martinez and longtime GM Mike Rizzo, the Washington Nationals have named bench coach Miguel Cairo as interim manager. Cairo, a former big league infielder with 17 seasons of MLB experience and a quiet, respected presence in the dugout, will begin his 72-game audition Tuesday in St. Louis. He inherits a coaching staff entirely handpicked by Martinez, keeping continuity in a clubhouse still reeling from instability. Cairo previously served as interim manager for the White Sox in 2022 and earned praise for his leadership during that stretch.

Meanwhile, new interim GM Mike DeBartolo steps into a massive month for the franchise. The Nationals hold the No. 1 overall pick in this Sunday’s MLB Draft — their first since selecting Harper and Strasburg — and the trade deadline looms on July 31. DeBartolo’s immediate challenge is steering a sinking team (currently 37-53) toward relevance, while evaluating whether Cairo could be a long-term fit. With tension building and big decisions ahead, this new-look Nationals leadership group has a chance to reshape the team’s direction — or risk falling even further behind in their rebuild.