The Washington Nationals are experiencing another major change in their scouting department just weeks after Scouting Director Danny Haas left the organization. According to Talk Nats, Director of Amateur Scouting Brad Ciolek is departing the club to join the Detroit Tigers.
Ciolek, who arrived in Washington ahead of the 2024 season alongside Haas, was brought in to help address the Nationals’ well-documented draft struggles. Coming from the Baltimore Orioles, he carried a strong reputation and high expectations for improving the organization’s approach to player development and talent acquisition.
With his departure, the Nationals draft room undergoes yet another shakeup during a period when stability and sharp decision-making are critical for the club’s long-term rebuilding efforts. The turnover raises questions about continuity in the front office and how the organization intends to move forward in upcoming drafts.
There is some consistency, however. Reports indicate that Reed Dunn, the Nationals’ Assistant Director of Scouting, will remain with the team, along with other members of the department. Dunn’s presence should provide at least a measure of stability as the Nationals search for leadership at the top of their amateur scouting operation.
The coming months will be pivotal for the Nationals as they work to reestablish direction and vision in their scouting department with another key seat now vacant.