WASHINGTON (Nov. 17, 2025) — The Washington Nationals ushered in a new era this afternoon at Nationals Park introducing Blake Butera as their manager—a clear signal that the club aims to build a modern, player-driven organization for the future. At just 33, Butera steps in as MLB’s youngest skipper since 1972, bringing a proven background in player development and leadership. President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni underscored that this hire was about more than resumes:
“We are excited about the fresh voice he brings to our organization. We are all energized and optimistic about where the team is headed. When we set out to find a new leader for our baseball operations, our goal was to find someone who could build a world-class department. We want to create a scouting and player development monster... In my mind you do that with people. I’ve said it time and time again, but you win with people”.
Toboni explained further, “I think Blake’s leadership skills really jumped out to us. We want someone who is aligned with our values and has those great leadership traits that I think can really push the group forward… He has a unique ability to gain the respect and trust of the most veteran baseball coaches and, just as importantly, our younger players”.
Butera himself expressed gratitude and clarity of purpose: “I’d like to thank the Lerner, Cohen and Tanenbaum families, as well as Paul Toboni, for the opportunity and the trust they are placing in me. This franchise has a proud history, a passionate fan base and a standard of excellence that I deeply respect. My family and I are fortunate to be part of it. I’m excited to get to work alongside our players, coaches and staff to build something special—a team that is rooted in trust, connection and competitiveness. We want to represent this city and our fans in a way they can be proud of, and we’re ready to get started”.
As Butera embarks on this challenge, he’s made his team-building philosophy clear: “The best advice I’ve gotten is just to be yourself. When you talk with players and you work with players, the last thing they look at is how old or young you are. What matters is whether you care about them as people first and help them become their best selves on and off the field”.
With new additions like Michael Johns as bench coach and Simon Mathews as pitching coach, plus Sean Doolittle’s ongoing club presence, the Nationals’ front office is committed to providing support and resources. “We want someone to lead players and staff effectively… Someone able to hold players and staff accountable. We wanted to make sure we brought in someone that fit our values and had great leadership traits,” Toboni added.
The Nationals’ renewed focus on unity and process is clear. As Butera put it, “We want to build a fundamentally sound team, built on character and accountability.”