Now that ownership has secured its choice for President of Baseball Operations in Paul Toboni, the Washington Nationals’ attention naturally shifts to the next phase — filling out the rest of the baseball operations structure. The spotlight now turns to who will step in as the new general manager, manager, and other key front-office roles that will shape how this organization operates moving forward.
The big question hovering around Nationals Park right now: will Toboni remove the interim tag from Mike DeBartolo and make him the team’s permanent general manager, or will he look beyond the current staff to bring in someone entirely new? Either way, whoever takes on the GM job will be walking into a franchise at a crossroads — one that requires patience, vision, and a plan to balance development with competitiveness.
The Search for a New Manager
Now that the front office is beginning to take shape, attention also turns to the dugout. The Nationals will need a manager capable of guiding a young roster while aligning with Toboni’s long-term vision for the organization. Whether Washington opts for an experienced hand or a new voice could say a lot about what kind of culture the franchise and Toboni intends to build moving forward.
Here are a few names that could surface in the Nationals’ search:
Rocco Baldelli
Currently managing the Minnesota Twins, Baldelli has earned a reputation for connecting well with players and balancing analytics with on-field intuition. Since taking over in 2019, he’s guided the Twins to multiple playoff appearances and earned the 2019 AL Manager of the Year award. Known for his calm demeanor and adaptability, Baldelli could bring the steady presence a young club like the Nationals needs.
Mark DeRosa
A former MLB utility player and current MLB Network analyst, DeRosa offers a strong leadership background and an understanding of clubhouse dynamics. He also managed Team USA during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, handling a roster full of stars with composure and respect. Hiring DeRosa would signal a desire for energy, communication, and a player-first approach.
Bob Melvin
One of baseball’s most respected and experienced managers, Melvin’s résumé spans decades across the Athletics, Diamondbacks, and Padres. A three-time Manager of the Year, Melvin is known for structure, adaptability, and maximizing results with limited resources. If the Nationals want a proven leader to stabilize and guide the team into contention, Melvin’s experience would bring instant credibility.
David Ross
Ross managed the Chicago Cubs from 2020 to 2023, navigating a roster in transition and earning praise for leadership and culture-building. A former catcher with a World Series ring from 2016, Ross blends traditional baseball instincts with an openness to analytics — a mix that could mesh well with Toboni’s vision.
Kurt Suzuki
A fan favorite in Washington, Suzuki was a key part of the Nationals’ 2019 World Series championship. Though he has no professional managerial experience, his reputation as a leader behind the plate, along with his deep understanding of the organization and respect from players, could make him an intriguing underdog candidate.
Building the Front Office
Just as important as finding the right manager will be Toboni’s decision on who fills the general manager’s chair. This hire will be critical in shaping the roster and player development pipeline — and ensuring the Nationals’ internal structure reflects a modern, forward-thinking baseball operation. Several names with both experience and potential ties to Toboni have already been mentioned as possibilities.
Interim GM – Mike DeBartolo
Currently acting as the Nationals’ interim general manager, Mike DeBartolo has deep familiarity with the organization’s roster, farm system, and staff. Elevated to the interim role during the transition period, DeBartolo has overseen short-term decision-making at both the Major League and minor league levels. The question for Toboni is whether that familiarity and existing continuity outweigh the benefits of bringing in an external hire. Keeping DeBartolo would maintain stability and ensure a seamless transition, but an outside voice could bring fresh perspective and new ideas to the Nationals’ rebuild.
Brian O’Halloran – Boston Red Sox Executive VP & Assistant GM of Baseball Operations
A familiar name from Toboni’s Red Sox connections, O’Halloran is currently serving as Executive VP and Assistant GM in Boston. He held the general manager title from 2020 to 2023 under Chaim Bloom, helping guide the Red Sox to an ALCS appearance and overseeing drafts that produced talent like Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer. Though the Red Sox were streaky during his tenure (267–262), O’Halloran’s experience running a large-market front office could help the Nationals modernize their operations structure.
Justin Horowitz – Pittsburgh Pirates Director of Amateur Scouting
Horowitz has quickly earned recognition for his scouting acumen and player development insight. After spending more than a decade in the Red Sox system (2012–2023), he joined the Pirates and made an instant impact, playing a pivotal role in Pittsburgh’s selection of top talents like shortstop Konnor Griffin and right-hander Seth Hernandez. His analytical eye for amateur talent, paired with development-oriented experience, aligns well with Toboni’s reputation for balancing scouting feel with modern evaluation.
Devin Pearson – Boston Red Sox Director of Amateur Scouting
Pearson, another executive with Toboni ties, rose through the Red Sox ranks after joining as a scouting intern in 2017. Appointed Director of Amateur Scouting in 2022, he’s helped sustain Boston’s streak of successful drafts, overseeing selections such as Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery (later traded for Garrett Crochet), as well as Peyton Tolle and Kristian Campbell. Pearson’s energy, scouting background, and shared vision could help build a collaborative and talent-driven front office in Washington.
What Comes Next
With Paul Toboni now leading baseball operations, the Nationals are entering one of their most pivotal offseasons in years. Each hire — from general manager to manager — will shape the club’s future direction and define how quickly Washington can shift from rebuilding to competing. The front office structure Toboni builds will not just determine who makes decisions, but how those decisions are made.
Be sure to follow our Offseason Content Hub for ongoing updates on the Nationals’ front-office search, managerial developments, player movement, and in-depth analysis throughout the 2025–26 offseason.