Nationals Fire Interim Manager Miguel Cairo Amid Major Shakeup

URGENT UPDATE: The Washington Nationals have confirmed that interim manager Miguel Cairo will not be given the job permanently, a source close to the team revealed just moments ago. This decision comes as part of a sweeping overhaul of the coaching staff, which includes the dismissal of several key coaches.

This major shakeup follows the Nationals’ disappointing performance, finishing the 2025 season with a dismal 66-96 record, placing them 14th out of 15 clubs in the National League. With six consecutive losing seasons since their 2019 World Series victory, the team is under immense pressure to turn things around.

Sources indicate that the coaching staff overhaul will also see the exits of pitching coach Jim Hickey, hitting coach Darnell Coles, bullpen coach Ricky Bones, first-base coach Gerardo Parra—notable for his “Baby Shark” celebration—and third-base coach Ricky Gutierrez. The official announcement regarding these changes is expected soon.

These developments come less than a month after Paul Toboni was introduced as the Nationals’ new president of baseball operations on October 1, 2025. At that press conference, team owner Mark Lerner expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the organization, stating, “We’re not happy where we are right now. That’s why we brought in Paul. And we’re going to get back to where we’re supposed to be.”

Cairo, who had been serving as the Nationals’ bench coach prior to his interim appointment, was a close associate of former manager Dave Martinez, who was fired earlier this season. Toboni had indicated his intention to speak with Cairo about the managing role before making any public declarations.

The Nationals’ decision to part ways with Cairo and the coaching staff signals a commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing the franchise. Fans are anxiously waiting to see who will be chosen as the next manager and what direction the team will take moving forward.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as the Nationals prepare for a critical offseason that could reshape the future of the team.