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Nationals Name Blake Butera Manager at 33, MLB’s Youngest Since 1972

The hire signals Washington’s shift to a development-first rebuild under new baseball chief Paul Toboni.

Overview

  • Washington announced the hiring Friday, confirming a move first reported Thursday by multiple outlets.
  • Butera arrives from Tampa Bay, where he oversaw player development after a 258-144 record and two league titles as a minor-league manager.
  • Paul Toboni said Butera’s player-development experience makes him the right leader to maximize the clubhouse and elevate the team.
  • The change caps a tumultuous year that included July dismissals of Dave Martinez and Mike Rizzo and a 66–96 finish with Miguel Cairo as interim manager.
  • At 33, Butera is younger than nearly the entire roster, with only pitcher Trevor Williams older, and the Nationals did not announce his coaching staff.