Jul 17, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo looks onto the field prior to the game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. James A. Pittman-Imagn Images

Washington Nationals Fire Mike Rizzo, Dave Martinez in Seismic Move

Originally posted on Washington Nationals on SI
By Dylan Sanders | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 6:43 PM ET

The Washington Nationals made a shocking move to clear house on Sunday afternoon, getting rid of general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Through 90 games this season, the Nationals sit with a 37-53 record and now have eyes fully on the future as they get rid of the heads of the old regime.

More News: Three Washington Nationals Ranked Among Top Trade Deadline Candidates

Rizzo has been the general manager in Washington since 2013 and has been with the team overall since 2007. During his tenure, he won a World Series and signed/ traded Juan Soto, but the recent years of struggles have now forced the hands of the organization.

This is a seismic move as it will completely change the future plans of the team. There is a young core in place from Rizzo's moves. MacKenzie Gore looks like an ace, James Wood is one of baseball's best players and they currently possess the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2025 MLB draft in a week.

More News: Nationals Could Push for Their Future With This Eye-Catching Trade

A Statement from Washington Nationals Managing Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner:

→ https://t.co/yHjVh4WWVJ pic.twitter.com/85cufOlzrK
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 6, 2025

Someone else will be the decision maker for the Nationals moving forward. Mike DeBartolo will be the interim GM.

More News: Nationals' Dave Martinez Becomes Third Manager to Reach Franchise Milestone

The decision to move on from Dave Martinez is also earth-shattering, considering just how long and how much he has accomplished in his time with the team.

He went from a bench coach in 2016 when the Chicago Cubs won the World Series to winning one of his own with Washington in 2019. He's been the manager since 2018, but has failed to win over 71 games since the World Series year.

More News: Nationals Star James Wood Had Career Day After Accepting Home Run Derby Invite

Now, the next few months look to be very busy for the Nationals, even without postseason hopes.

For more Nationals news, head over to Nationals On SI.

This article first appeared on Washington Nationals on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: