The Nationals have parted ways with several members of their front office after bringing in new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, but Mike DeBartolo reportedly remains with the organization. Toboni revealed DeBartolo’s new position to reporters earlier this week, including Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports. DeBartolo will serve as senior vice president and assistant general manager, responsible for baseball operations.
Washington fired longtime president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo in July. Following Rizzo’s departure, DeBartolo was moved from his position as senior vice president to interim general manager. According to reports, assistant general managers Eddie Longos and Marc Shialaba will not return next season, but DeBartolo will be retained.
Washington hired DeBartolo as an intern in 2012. He worked his way up to the assistant general manager position before the 2019 season and eventually won a championship with the club. DeBartolo was named vice president in 2021. The senior tag was added to his job title ahead of the 2024 season.
DeBartolo may have been part of the previous regime, but in his early forties he integrated himself into the youth movement, holding a top position in the organization. Toboni is only 35 years old. He named 33-year-old Blake Butera as the club’s next head coach. Washington has the youngest front office leader and youngest head coach in the league.
Toboni and DeBartolo join the front office, as do newcomers Justin Horowitz and Devin Pearson. Both employees will serve in assistant general manager roles. Toboni told reporters that Horowitz will be in charge of player acquisition and Pearson will be in charge of player development. Horowitz most recently served as the Buccaneers’ director of amateur scouting. Pearson will succeed Toboni as Boston’s director of amateur scouting starting in 2023.
Photos by Darren Yamashita, Image Images.
