UPDATE: New Washington Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni has officially taken the reins, declaring his commitment to revitalizing the struggling franchise. After a dismal season ending with only 66 wins, Toboni emphasizes the need for honesty about the team’s challenges and potential.
In a statement to ESPN, Toboni stated, “We don’t love that we won 66 games this past year. There’s definitely work to do.” Despite the setbacks, he sees this as an exciting time for the organization, highlighting the importance of making “really good decision after really good decision.”
Toboni, at just 35 years old, becomes the youngest head of baseball operations in Major League Baseball, stepping in to replace interim general manager Mike DeBartolo, who took over after the firing of general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez. The Nationals have struggled significantly, finishing last in the National League East for the fifth time in six years since their 2019 World Series victory.
The new president’s immediate priority is securing a new manager. Toboni revealed he has already communicated with interim manager Miguel Cairo and plans to move quickly to fill the managerial position, with several teams currently seeking replacements.
As Toboni navigates the upcoming changes, he remains open to potentially hiring a general manager to complement his skills. “If we do decide to pursue it, I think we’ll do it with the thought in mind that we want someone that complements my skill and experience sets very well,” he noted.
Among Toboni’s key strategies is a renewed focus on scouting and player development. His experience with the Boston Red Sox—where he ascended from intern to senior vice president—positions him well to establish a robust system for nurturing talent. “The name of the game is graduating high-end, cost-controlled talent to the major leagues,” Toboni emphasized.
Currently, the Nationals’ farm system ranks 22nd out of 30, even after acquiring the top overall draft pick, Eli Willits. Due to current rules, they will not participate in the upcoming draft lottery, placing them at risk of only securing the 11th overall pick next year.
Despite challenges posed by strong teams in their division, including Philadelphia and New York, Toboni is focused on building a solid foundation for his team. “We need to create a culture where people value the right things and are dependable and humble,” he stated.
Toboni’s successful track record at the Red Sox, particularly in drafting and player development, has generated excitement among Nationals fans and officials alike. His ability to rapidly improve the farm system will be crucial for the team’s future competitiveness.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Toboni expressed optimism about the Nationals’ potential. “The more of those guys we can have, the better. If we build a foundation of talent like that, we’re going to have a really good shot,” he concluded.
Watch for upcoming announcements regarding managerial and organizational changes as Toboni aims to reshape the future of the Washington Nationals.
