Nationals Set to Hire Blake Butera, 33, as New Manager

UPDATE: The Washington Nationals are on the verge of hiring 33-year-old Blake Butera as their new manager, according to sources familiar with the situation. This critical move comes after the team fired Dave Martinez in July and appointed Miguel Cairo as interim manager. Butera’s hiring is significant as it would make him the youngest manager in Major League Baseball since Frank Quilici of the Minnesota Twins in 1972.

The Nationals, who finished the 2023 MLB season with a disappointing 66-96 record, have struggled with six consecutive losing seasons since their 2019 World Series victory under Martinez. This hiring signals a new direction for the franchise as they look to rebuild and regain competitiveness.

The decision to finalize Butera’s contract follows the dismissal of both Martinez and former president and general manager Mike Rizzo earlier this year. Paul Toboni has since taken the helm as president of baseball operations, emphasizing the urgency for change within the organization.

Details surrounding Butera’s hiring are expected to be formally announced soon, as the Nationals aim to bolster their leadership with fresh perspectives. Fans and analysts alike are keenly watching this development, which could reshape the team’s future trajectory.

Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking story as the Nationals complete this pivotal hire.