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8h ago

Nationals Finalizing Blake Butera, 33, as Manager, Youngest MLB Skipper Since 1972

The choice reflects new president Paul Toboni’s push toward player development, signaling an analytics-focused reset during Washington’s rebuild.

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Aug 28, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets former catcher Mike Piazza at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Multiple outlets report Washington is finalizing a deal with Blake Butera, which would make him MLB’s youngest manager in more than 50 years.
  • Butera recently led the Rays’ player development group and posted a 258-144 record as a minor-league manager, winning two league titles with Low-A Charleston.
  • His résumé includes international experience as Team Italy’s bench coach at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and a quality-control stint in the Dominican Winter League.
  • The hire follows sweeping changes that included July firings of Mike Rizzo and Dave Martinez, Miguel Cairo’s interim stint, and the late-September arrival of 35-year-old Paul Toboni to run baseball operations.
  • Washington went 66-96 in 2025 and remains in a rebuild focused on its young core, with industry expectation that clubs will inquire on MacKenzie Gore and CJ Abrams this offseason.