Nats extend GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez through the ’23

.

WASHINGTON, (AP) — Dave Martinez & Mike Rizzo have been signed for the 2023season after the Washington Nationals exercised the contract options of the World Series-winning manager & GM.

Mark Lerner, principal owner of the company, announced these moves on Saturday just before the 80th match in a season which has seen 50 defeats. After helping the Nationals to win their first championship, 2019., Martinez and Rizzo now manage a rebuilding effort.

” I am just so happy to be here, and that this is something I can see through,” Martinez stated. This is my home. It is my home. I am a huge fan of people that I work with

It is important to have Rizzo and Martinez under contract due to the expected ownership changes facing the franchise. In April, the Lerner family started exploring ways to sell the Nationals.

” “It does provide some continuity, not just to this organisation but also to the players which is very nice,” Martinez stated. It’s good to know we will be there together, and we will continue working the same .”

way.

Lerner stated that it was right to continue with Martinez (who was hired following the 2017season) and Rizzo (who is currently in his 14th season running the club’s baseball operations).

“Mike is a leader in many phases of our company, and we are confident that his efforts during the current phase will be rewarded,” Lerner stated in a statement. For five seasons, Davey has been a great leader in the clubhouse as well as in the dugout. We are proud .”

of Davey’s perseverance and support for his players.

The biggest issue facing the Nationals right now is Juan Soto’s future. While Martinez has acknowledged many of his current players won’t be with the team when it returns to contention, the soon-to-be 24-year-old Soto has become the face of the franchise and efforts are ongoing to sign him long term – well before he can become a free agent after the 2024 season.

Martinez might not last as long, if there are major changes in ownership. But he is glad that Washington’s coaches got two-year contracts when they were hired. Rizzo and he are both expected to return.

” I couldn’t imagine myself doing this without Rizz,” Martinez stated. He’s been there for me every step of the way. To me, he’s like a brother .”