The Washington Nationals had a forgettable 2025 season. Finishing with a 66-96 record and finishing 30 games back in the National League East.

It is no surprise that the Nationals fired Dave Martinez as their manager and took another step forward by also firing their general manager, Mike Rizzo.

Miguel Cairo took over as the interim manager, while Mike DeBartoli took over as interim general manager. The Nationals have yet to hire a new manager or general manager for the 2026 season, with speculation that President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni may take on the role of general manager moving forward.

Paul Toboni is in a big spot in his young career. He is the youngest head of baseball operations in all of baseball, and choosing to be the GM himself could pay dividends or set him up for failure.

Also, choosing the right manager will define his legacy, so why not hire someone who is already a fan favorite and has a legacy with the team? That is why the Nationals will hire Jayson Werth to be their next manager.

*THIS IS A PREDICTION, NOT A REPORT*

More MLB Content From TWSN:

2025 World Series: Dodgers Vs Blue Jays Is Kendrick Vs Drake 2.0

How to Fix The Cincinnati Reds Pitching Staff

The 2025 MLB Season Houses The 2 Best Single Game …

Nationals Hiring Jayson Werth As Manager

The Washington Nationals have a plethora of young talent, highlighted by James Wood, Dylan Crews, and C.J. Abrams. They have the core of an up-and-coming team, yet they had one of their worst seasons of all time last year. The roster does not need that much help; it needs a messenger to lead this team into the future.

The Nationals could look to one of the few recently fired coaches who have had experience winning at other places, like Brian Snitker with the Atlanta Braves and Ron Washington with the Los Angeles Angels.

A new President of Baseball Operations goes two routes. An experienced manager who has been around forever, or a complete splash out of left field, crazy choice. The Nationals should go the latter route and hire Jayson Werth.

Jayson Werth was a longtime outfielder for the Nationals and a member of the Nationals’ Ring of Honor. Werth has not been in the coaching scene yet, but he has been raising horses that race in the Kentucky Derby and other races. 

Jayson Werth, in his time with the Washington Nationals, was known for his aggressive style of play and leading by example. A style that young players thrive on.

Werth spent time as a guest instructor during the Nationals camp this offseason in hopes of providing some veteran leadership to the young guys. Jayson Werth is the leader these Nationals players need on a full-time basis. 

Other Possible Candidates for the Nationals

Interim manager Miguel Cairo is likely to interview for the full-time position, but it would be a long shot to become the full-time leader of this team. Former Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde has been interviewed for the position as well, a month after Cairo interviewed for the job. Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz has also been rumored to interview.

The Nationals are taking their time to make the right decision on their new skipper; however, taking their time may come back to hurt them. With several manager positions still open, it would be best to expedite this process quickly than what they are doing right now.

The top-tier candidates are getting hired first, and there are several other former players who are also looking to become first-time managers.

The Nationals may have an edge with an outside-the-bubble off-the-radar candidate in Jayson Werth; either way, they need to call him now and gauge the interest level there.