Steve Burns
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON – (WMAL) The Washington Nationals’ managerial search appears to be over.
Multiple media outlets are reporting team ownership has finalized a three-year contract with Chicago Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez. Martinez has spent the past ten years under manager Joe Maddon, first with the Tampa Bay Rays, then joining Maddon in Chicago in 2015. Martinez was a journeyman outfielder, racking up time with ten teams between 1986 and 2001.
Martinez was seen as a front-runner from the beginning, despite reports the team was also talking with former Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell. Martinez is well-regarded in Chicago, whereas reports surfaced that Farrell had lost the respect of his players toward the end of the season. Former New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi was also in the conversation, though it is not clear if the team ever reached out to him. They had also received permission to talk to New York Mets hitting coach Kevin Long.
Both the Washington Post and FanRag Sports first reported the news of Martinez’s hiring late Sunday morning.
Reports indicate the Nationals will make an official announcement after the World Series concludes.
Martinez would replace Dusty Baker, who was unexpectedly sacked following two seasons with 90+ wins each. The Nationals fell to Maddon’s Cubs in the National League Division Series, their second straight loss in the postseason’s opening round and fourth in six seasons.
Update 1 p.m. Monday:
The Nationals have made the announcement official:
#Nats name Dave Martinez new manager: https://t.co/hj393UdEYf pic.twitter.com/kD1AxTNGgA
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) October 30, 2017
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