Cairo’s Nats Won’t Secure Permanent Contract: Report
The Washington Nationals are undergoing significant changes in their coaching staff as interim manager Miguel Cairo will not continue in his role for the upcoming season. This decision comes after the Nationals experienced another disappointing year, finishing with a 66-96 record in 2025.
Cairo’s Departure from the Nationals
Cairo, who stepped in for the dismissed Dave Martinez in July, will not be given a permanent position. Multiple coaches will also be leaving the organization. This information was revealed by a source familiar with the situation, who requested anonymity since no official announcements have been made.
Coaching Staff Changes
- Pitching Coach: Jim Hickey
- Hitting Coach: Darnell Coles
- Bullpen Coach: Ricky Bones
- First-Base Coach: Gerardo Parra
- Third-Base Coach: Ricky Gutierrez
This overhaul follows the Nationals’ extended period of underperformance, marking six consecutive losing seasons since their World Series win in 2019. The team finished 14th out of 15 clubs in the National League this year, highlighting a critical need for change.
Management Restructuring
These coaching changes come shortly after Paul Toboni was appointed as the new president of baseball operations. Toboni, previously an assistant general manager with the Boston Red Sox, aims to restore the Nationals to a competitive level. At a press conference on October 1, team owner Mark Lerner expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s current standing, emphasizing the need for improvement.
Lerner stated, “We’re not happy where we are right now. That’s why we brought in Paul. And we’re going to get back to where we’re supposed to be. … Don’t give up on us; we’re going to be there again. Guaranteed.”
The Nationals’ disappointing performance in recent seasons, coupled with the recent management shakeup, indicates a pivotal moment for the franchise as they look to rebuild and regain their former competitiveness.
