Editor’s Note: This article kicks off our off-season coverage of the Washington Nationals. Be sure to check out our live blog and dedicated page on The Nats Report for the latest headlines, in-depth analysis, and so much more as the Nationals navigate their offseason and rebuild.
The Washington Nationals’ search for a new head of baseball operations is heating up, signaling a pivotal moment for a franchise in transition. This offseason mission comes in the wake of the mid-season dismissal of longtime GM and president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo, who guided the Nationals to their first World Series title in 2019 but faced growing scrutiny amid the team’s recent struggles. Rizzo’s departure marked the end of an era and the beginning of what appears to be a fresh direction under new leadership.
Stepping in as interim GM is Mike DeBartolo, a Nationals staffer since 2012 and former assistant GM, who has brought a modern, analytics-driven approach to the organization. DeBartolo helped lay the groundwork for the team’s rebuilding process, which included the high-profile Juan Soto trade that netted the Nationals promising young talent like James Wood, C.J. Abrams, Dylan Crews, and potential ace MacKenzie Gore. While DeBartolo commands respect within the organization and is reportedly campaigning for the permanent role, ownership has indicated a willingness to explore outside candidates to lead baseball operations forward—and that’s a positive sign for the franchise.
Among the reported frontrunners is Chicago Cubs GM Carter Hawkins, a figure known for his strong background in player development and scouting, coupled with a conservative and analytical philosophy. Hawkins came up under the tutelage of Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and renowned baseball visionary Theo Epstein.
With experience managing a rebuilding roster, Hawkins is viewed as someone who could bring stability and a long-term vision centered on nurturing young talent. The Nationals see in Hawkins an opportunity for a fresh, yet grounded, approach to rebuilding their competitive core.
Also on the Nationals’ radar is Josh Byrnes, senior vice president of baseball operations with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Byrnes comes from one of the game’s most successful modern front offices, celebrated for blending analytics with savvy veterans and international scouting. His ability to navigate large-market pressures while maintaining championship contention could provide the Nationals with a balance of immediate competitiveness and sustainable growth.
Rising executive Amiel Sawdaye, assistant GM of the Arizona Diamondbacks, rounds out the key reported candidates. Known for his scouting acumen and modern baseball operations mindset, Sawdaye offers expertise in amateur player evaluation, draft strategy, and analytics-driven decision-making—crucial areas as the Nationals seek to maximize their farm system and build a robust talent pipeline.
The Nationals’ interest in Dodgers senior vice president Josh Byrnes and Diamondbacks assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye highlights their commitment to blending seasoned experience with cutting-edge baseball operations expertise which the Nationals really need to focus on.
Byrnes’ front office career includes GM roles with the Diamondbacks and Padres before becoming a vital part of the Dodgers’ championship-winning team. His skills span player development, talent evaluation, trades, and international scouting—equipping Washington with a candidate versed in building both for now and the future. Meanwhile, Sawdaye, a rising star in baseball executive ranks, specializes in scouting, amateur player evaluation, and draft strategy. His analytical approach aligns perfectly with the Nationals’ focus on developing a strong farm system during their rebuilding phase.
As the Nationals prepare for the crucial 2026 offseason armed with top draft picks and a promising young roster, the choice of the next head of baseball operations will define the trajectory of the franchise for years to come. This leadership decision will dictate whether the team pushes to accelerate contention by supplementing its developing core with impactful veterans, or if it embraces a patient, continued rebuild focused on nurturing its plentiful prospects.
Having been in rebuild mode since mid-2021—shedding expensive veteran contracts while accumulating high-ceiling prospects—the offseason represents a critical crossroads for the Nationals. The organization must determine if young stars like James Wood, C.J. Abrams, and MacKenzie Gore are ready to be complemented with experienced players to mount a credible playoff push, or if more development time and roster restructuring are needed. Choosing an executive like Byrnes could signal a balanced approach emphasizing both immediate competitiveness and sustainable growth. In contrast, a hire like Sawdaye might emphasize maximizing the farm system and draft capital to build long-term depth.
This front office search is not just about finding a new GM—it represents an organizational reckoning. The Nationals are aiming to modernize their baseball operations by integrating data analytics, advanced scouting techniques, and international talent acquisition strategies. At the same time, they recognize the urgency to build a winning culture and recapture fan enthusiasm after years of challenges.
The forthcoming leadership choice will heavily influence roster construction during the 2026 offseason and beyond—impacting decisions about managing an increasingly crowded young outfield, shoring up the bullpen, and evaluating trade opportunities. The franchise’s ability to emerge from its prolonged rebuilding phase and return to contention hinges on this next chapter in its front office.