“I tried not to think about this much, to be honest with you,” Rizzo mentioned. “We’re at work. I just assumed this was going to be the answer.”
“I know we’ve had a tough go, but I’m seeing some really good things,” Martinez mentioned in the beginning of his pregame news convention. “Our young players are performing a lot better. … We had a plan coming into this year, so I think we’re in a good spot and I think we’re going to get better fairly quickly. I’m really excited about it. … I get to see this through another year, and then we’ll see what happens after that.”
Together, their marquee achievement is main the Nationals to a World Series title in 2019. But within the three seasons since, the Nationals are simply 120-181 (getting into Saturday), a departure from competing for division titles for the higher a part of a decade. The slide included buying and selling Trea Turner, Max Scherzer and 6 others final July. It additionally consists of Washington’s present last-place standing, 20 video games behind the New York Mets at 29-50.
So because the July 15 deadline approached, two complicating components have been latest outcomes and the potential change in possession. Ultimately, although, the Lerner household selected to retain their most public-facing staff. Around 1:15 p.m. Saturday, Alan Gottlieb, the chief working officer for Lerner Sports, walked out of a convention room within the Nationals’ clubhouse with Rizzo and Martinez, who every carried a chunk of paper. Moments later, handshakes and black slaps could possibly be heard from Martinez’s workplace.
Gottlieb declined to reply questions concerning the choice to exercise the options. During his news convention, Martinez acknowledged gamers requested about his standing, exhibiting the unknowns have been on their minds.
“It does bring some continuity not only to this organization but to the players as well, which is nice,” Martinez mentioned. “And also to the coaching staff, training staff. … It’s nice to know that we’re going to be together and that we’re going to continue to work the way we do.”
With his coaches, did he wish to present the peace of thoughts in figuring out their boss has one other season?
“For me, it was important when we hired the coaches that they all got a two-year deal,” mentioned Martinez, who introduced on hitting coach Darnell Coles, first base coach Eric Young Jr., third base coach Gary DiSarcina and bullpen coach Ricky Bones this previous fall. “So they’re all going to be around here as well.”
For Martinez, the instant cost is to handle a roster that can in all probability get weaker in early August, as a handful of key veterans are anticipated to be dealt for extra prospects. For Rizzo, the subsequent month holds the beginner draft, the commerce deadline and ongoing discussions with Soto, who mentioned Friday he’s open to a long-term extension. And whereas this draft and deadline are important steps of the rebuild — particularly as a result of the Nationals have the fifth total choose, their highest since 2010 — Soto stays an enormous a part of the method.
If he indicators a long-term deal, Washington has a celebrity it may possibly construct round. If it fails to signal him, Soto might check free company after the 2024 season, which can be when the Nationals are prepared to show the nook once more. Of course, the numbers must line up for the crew and participant, who on this case is represented by agent Scott Boras. The membership has made a number of efforts above the 13 years and $350 million it provided final fall, in line with a number of folks acquainted with the negotiations. Those folks added that no latest provides have included fee deferrals, a notable shift within the Lerner household’s typical negotiating fashion.
But what mattered most Saturday was the reassurance for Martinez, Rizzo and people working round them — even when many uncertainties persist.
“The reboot is going extremely well,” mentioned Rizzo, who has all the time opted for “reboot” as a substitute of “rebuild.” “You can see a blossoming young major league core that’s developing right in front of our eyes. Our minor league system has never been better as far as talent and performance on the field. So we’re right where we want to be to challenge for championships in the very near future.”