We asked readers whether the Orioles’ or the Nationals’ managerial opening is more attractive. Both teams are looking for a full-time skipper after disappointing starts to the season led to the dismissals of Brandon Hyde and Dave Martinez, respectively.
Here are the results from our online poll:
Orioles — 86.93% (346 votes)
Nationals — 13.07% (52 votes)
Here’s what some fans told us about the two jobs (answers have been edited for clarity and grammar):
The Baltimore Orioles are the better job of the two. Camden Yards is a crown jewel amongst MLB stadiums. The Orioles’ fan base and tradition is more stable. Washington is a transient city, in comparison with Baltimore being a more stable fan base with the ability to draw from the Washington’s fan base when they are winning. The big “if” is “if winning” … Camden Yards looks like Oakland … abandoned when the O’s aren’t winning. — Kenny Anderson
The O’s job would seem to be a better opportunity. The current roster is stronger, and while depleted somewhat, the O’s farm system is still deeper than the Nats’. Additionally, Baltimore has an owner who seems committed to building a winner, rather than one who, after winning a World Series title in 2019, immediately began dismantling the team for financial reasons. Since 2019, the Nats have been one of the worst teams in baseball. — John Devine
Orioles, because the fan base is not fair-weather like the Nats’ is. — Mike Smith
The O’s job would be preferable to the Nats’ position. The roster is stronger, the farm system remains solid, ownership (though new) presents a more stable/competent environment, and the front office (though currently receiving criticism from an impatient fan base and some in the media) has a proven track record. — Laurence Berbert
My choice is made with little difference between the two teams! I gave the edge to the Orioles simply because they are further along in the rebuild process. Both teams have great talent and young stars, but players like Gunnar Henderson and Jordan Westburg are established with Colton Cowser and Adley Rutschman likely as well. Then there is Jackson Holliday as the up-and-coming star of the future, not to mention a strong supporting cast and farm system. The Nationals also have young stars in James Wood and MacKenzie Gore and Dylan Crews with more talent coming with a strong farm system! The supporting cast is not as strong in my opinion, and neither team has strong pitching. Perhaps the edge here is who is coming off of the injured list for potentially a second-half run for the O’s? The biggest question for both teams is, are the owners going to spend money? I would say the jury is still out for both teams. — Kerry Crouch
The Lerners won’t spend money so you’re at a disadvantage in D.C. Unless that changes, Baltimore is better. — Andrew Wiseman
The Nationals, and it’s not even close. No one can work with the disaster general manager Mike Elias has created! Plus, the Orioles’ nucleus is about to be ripped apart. Elias waited too long to sign any of the homegrown talent. Now they can’t afford them! — Erich Wagner
Being a fan of both teams, I’d have to say the Orioles. They have more pieces in place at the moment. New ownership has shown a willingness to spend, even though Elias didn’t spend wisely. Things could change, though. If Mark Lerner opens his wallet like his father did, the Nationals could go get free agents. The Nats also have pitching in the pipeline. Either opening should be attractive to a quality manager. — Kenneth Turnbaugh
The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To see results from previous sports polls, go to baltimoresun.com/sportspoll
Originally Published: July 10, 2025 at 11:52 AM EDT