The Washington Nationals hired Blake Butera as their new manager on Oct. 30, marking the club’s first managerial change since 2018.
Butera, 33, is the eighth manager in Nationals history and the youngest manager in Major League Baseball. His hiring is considered a risk because he has never served on a Major League coaching staff and never played above Single A. Unlike many first-time managers such as David Ross, Stephen Vogt, Kurt Suzuki or Tony Vitello, he has limited professional playing and coaching experience. Paul Toboni, the Nationals’ president of baseball operations, said the organization believes the move will benefit the team.
“I have always believed that you win with people, and from our very first conversation, it was clear that Blake is the right person and the right leader for this role,” Toboni said when announcing the hire.
“Blake comes into this position with experience in a variety of roles in player development, including as a successful manager, making him uniquely qualified to get the most out of the players in the clubhouse and help us reach the next level.”
“[Butera] possesses a strong baseball acumen and has a reputation for building strong relationships with players and staff, making him a great fit for us in Washington, D.C,” he added.
Butera brings Minor League managerial experience from his time with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he served as manager and head of player development. He was hired by the Rays as a manager at 25.
Butera also has international coaching experience, beginning in 2019 with the Perth Heat in the Australian Baseball League. The following year, he coached with Leones del Escogido in the Dominican League.
Butera played four years at Boston College, serving as captain in 2015. He finished his college career ranked first in walks and at bats, second in games played and games started and tied for sixth in hits. The Rays selected him in the thirty-fifth round of the 2015 draft, but his professional career was brief.
Notably, baseball is an important part of Butera’s family lineage as his father was selected by the Red Sox in the 14th round of the 1977 Draft out of Tulane University. Butera’s brother was a 21st-round Draft pick of the Astros in 2009 out of Boston College as well.
Butera’s hiring may also influence free agency. One of Washington’s top priorities this offseason is pitching. Last season, the Nationals had the worst bullpen ERA and the second-worst starter ERA, and several pitchers are recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Michael King, a high-profile free agent and former Boston College teammate of Butera, could fit the team’s needs. King may be seeking a long-term contender, which could limit Washington’s chances, but his connection to Butera could factor into his decision. The dynamic will be one to watch as the offseason progresses.
Although Butera is not the most experienced candidate, he introduces new energy to the organization.
“I would like to thank the Lerner, Cohen and Tanenbaum families, as well as Paul Toboni, for the opportunity and for the trust they are placing in me,” Butera said in a statement released by the Nationals. “This franchise has a proud history, a passionate fan base and a standard of excellence that I deeply respect. “
He added that he and his family are excited to “represent this city” and to support the Washington fan base.
Butera’s hiring is a significant gamble for Washington, but fans are eager to see how it shapes the team’s upcoming season.
