Nationals Explore Managerial Options with Rocco Baldelli in Spotlight
The Washington Nationals are making waves in their search for a new manager, setting their sights on some notable names as they prepare for the 2026 season. With Miguel Cairo, the team’s interim manager, officially out of the running, the franchise is now focusing on candidates who could lead them into a new era.
Cairo Out, New Candidates Emerge
Following the dismissal of Dave Martinez, Cairo was one of three candidates interviewed for the permanent position. However, sources indicate he has been informed that he will not be continuing in the selection process. The other two initial contenders included Brandon Hyde, the former manager of the Baltimore Orioles, and Craig Albernaz, who served as the bench coach for the Cleveland Guardians. While Hyde remains in consideration, Albernaz has since been hired as the Orioles’ new skipper, narrowing the field for the Nationals.
Andrew Golden of The Washington Post has reported that while the pool of known candidates is small, the Nationals have identified some intriguing potential hires.
Rocco Baldelli: A Familiar Name in the Mix
Among those names is Rocco Baldelli, the former manager of the Minnesota Twins. Golden’s report highlights that the Nationals have “shown interest” in Baldelli, who has a compelling history both as a player and a manager. Although he declined to confirm whether he had interviewed for the vacant position, his candidacy has captured attention.
Baldelli was selected sixth overall in the 2000 MLB Draft and had a promising start to his playing career, finishing third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting after his debut season in 2003. However, his career was cut short at the age of 29 due to a rare metabolic disorder. Transitioning into coaching, Baldelli took the reins of the Twins in 2019, leading them to an impressive 101 wins and an AL Central division title, earning the AL Manager of the Year Award in the process. Despite notable successes—including three division titles and playoff appearances in three of his seven seasons—Baldelli was let go following back-to-back fourth-place finishes in 2023.
Dodgers’ Danny Lehmann Also in Consideration
In addition to Baldelli, the Nationals are reportedly eyeing Danny Lehmann, the bench coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. A former eighth-round draft pick of the Twins, Lehmann has carved out a notable career in coaching. After spending time in the Dodgers’ organization as an advance video scout and later as a game planning and communications coach, he became the bench coach under manager Dave Roberts in 2023.
While Lehmann has also not commented on whether he interviewed for the job, it is clear he is considered a strong candidate as the Nationals look to revitalize their team leadership.
The Nationals are in the midst of a crucial decision-making process, aiming to find a leader who can guide the franchise back to prominence. As the search unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on the developments surrounding these potential managerial hires.
