In a significant shakeup for the Washington Nationals, the team announced on July 7, 2025, that bench coach Miguel Cairo has been promoted to interim manager for the remainder of the 2025 season. This decision comes just one day after the Nationals parted ways with longtime manager Dave Martinez and general manager Mike Rizzo, signaling a new direction for the struggling franchise.
Cairo, 51, a Venezuelan native, brings a wealth of experience both as a former player and as a coach. His playing career spanned 17 major league seasons from 1996 to 2012, during which he suited up for nine different teams including the Blue Jays, Cubs, Rays, Cardinals, Yankees, Mets, Mariners, Phillies, and Reds. Known primarily as a utility infielder, Cairo compiled a career batting average of .264, with 41 home runs, 394 RBIs, and 139 stolen bases over 1,490 games. His versatility on the field saw him play every position except catcher, center field, and pitcher.
After retiring as a player in 2013, Cairo transitioned into coaching and front office roles. He served as a special assistant to the general manager for the Cincinnati Reds until 2017, then took on the role of minor league infield coordinator for the New York Yankees from 2018 to 2020. Cairo later joined the Chicago White Sox as bench coach for the 2021 and 2022 seasons and even stepped in as their acting manager in 2022 when Tony La Russa took a medical leave of absence. During that stint, Cairo led the White Sox to an 18-16 record over 34 games, showcasing his leadership capabilities despite the team ultimately missing the playoffs. In 2023, he worked as the minor league infield coordinator for the New York Mets before joining the Nationals' coaching staff in 2024 as bench coach.
The Nationals' decision to appoint Cairo as interim manager comes amid a challenging season. The team currently holds a 37-53 record, placing them last in the National League East. Their recent 6-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox was the final straw that led to the dismissal of Martinez and Rizzo. The Nationals have not posted a winning record since their 2019 World Series championship season, and their performance since 2020 has been among the worst in the league, with a cumulative 325-473 record, only better than the Colorado Rockies.
Interim general manager Mike DeBartolo, who was named to replace Rizzo on July 6, 2025, expressed confidence in Cairo's ability to steer the team forward. "Miguel is well-respected in our organization and around baseball," DeBartolo said in a statement. "A diligent worker and student of the game, he has a proven track record of showing strong leadership in a variety of situations, and I believe that his voice and energy will serve as a catalyst to our team and our fan base in the second half of the season." DeBartolo, who is also the club's senior vice president and assistant general manager, will oversee all baseball operations, including the upcoming MLB Draft where the Nationals hold the coveted No. 1 overall pick.
Cairo's appointment was not immediate; after the firings of Martinez and Rizzo on July 6, he was given the night to consider the role before accepting. Notably, Cairo did not initially travel with the team to St. Louis for their three-game series against the Cardinals, where he will make his managerial debut on July 8, 2025. Following the Cardinals series, the Nationals will face the Milwaukee Brewers before the MLB All-Star break.
Dave Martinez, who had managed the Nationals since 2018 and led them to their only World Series title in 2019, was in the final year of his contract at the time of his dismissal. Mike Rizzo, who had been the Nationals' general manager since 2009, also saw his tenure end after nearly two decades with the organization. In a message to the Washington Post's Barry Svrluga, Rizzo took the news in stride, stating, "The sun will come up tomorrow. That's the job. I had a great run. Navigated that ownership group for almost 20 years." Nationals owner Mark Lerner emphasized the need for a "fresh approach," noting that the team's on-field performance had not met expectations.
As Cairo steps into this leadership role, he inherits a team in transition. The coaching staff remains largely intact, but the Nationals are expected to conduct a comprehensive search for permanent managerial and general manager positions in the coming offseason. Among the candidates considered for the permanent managerial role is Matthew LeCroy, the Triple-A Rochester manager, who could be in the mix alongside Cairo.
The timing of this managerial change is critical, coming just a week before the MLB Draft begins on July 13, 2025. The Nationals will look to leverage their No. 1 overall pick to bolster their roster and begin rebuilding toward competitiveness. Cairo's leadership during this pivotal period will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as the Nationals seek to regain their footing in the National League East.
While the Nationals' current record reflects a tough season, the appointment of Miguel Cairo offers a new voice and renewed energy. His blend of extensive playing experience, coaching acumen, and prior interim managerial success provides a foundation for hope as Washington navigates the remainder of the 2025 campaign and prepares for a future beyond the current struggles.
