Report: Nationals Land 'One of the Best' as Head of Baseball Operations

Nationals Bring On Paul Toboni as Head of Baseball Operations

A Meteoric Rise Through Boston’s Ranks

Toboni, a former Cal infielder, joined the Red Sox as an intern in 2015 after a brief Athletics stint. By 2020, he took charge of the club’s amateur drafts. In January 2024, the Red Sox promoted Toboni to Assistant General Manager. His relentless drive and sharp talent-spotting skills fueled his rapid ascent. Toboni masterminded drafts that uncovered rising stars like Roman Anthony, Kyle Teel, Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, Hunter Dobbins, Connelly Early, and Payton Tolle. “Paul’s scouting instincts are pure magic,” said former chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom.

A Dynamic Force in Player Development

Toboni’s role expanded to oversee player development across all levels, including the major league roster, where his bold vision shaped key transactions. Red Sox manager Alex Cora praised him, saying to MassLive.com, “Ultra-aggressive with his ideas…He’s a soundboard to a lot of people in the front office.” Consequently, Toboni emerged as a top candidate to become Breslow’s general manager, highlighting his critical role in Boston’s elite prospect pipeline. 

A Stinging Loss for Boston

Toboni’s departure deals a sharp blow to the Red Sox, who now face the task of replacing a visionary leader. His exit follows a trend of Boston’s brain trust scattering across MLB, with figures like Mike Hazen, Jed Hoyer, Chaim Bloom, and Dave Dombrowski leading franchises. Nevertheless, Boston will seek a new No. 2 executive this offseason to work alongside assistant general manager Eddie Romero.

Nationals Seize a Game-Changer

For the Nationals, Toboni’s arrival signals a new era. He outshone Romero in interviews, earning a role to reshape Washington’s roster and farm system with broad authority. Toboni’s blend of analytics and instinct suits a franchise eager to rebuild its competitive edge.  As new blood steps into Nationals Park, Toboni’s infectious energy and sharp intellect promise to redefine the franchise. The prospects he identified and developed in Boston stand as a testament to his skill. Toboni’s arrival is a vibrant opportunity to craft a contender under a rising star’s guidance.