Washington Nationals: 5 things they must do in 2018
By Ron Juckett
RE-SIGN MIKE RIZZO
Perhaps the biggest Nats free agent is the general manager.
The architect of the most successful era of Washington baseball history heads into 2018 on the last year of his contract. Since becoming the general manager in 2009, Rizzo’s teams captured four NL East crowns and are heavy favorites for a fifth.
His close working relationship with agent Scott Boras is vital if the Nats want Harper past this year. Rizzo’s ability to work trades and stuff deferral money into contracts makes him a legend.
As harsh as running through managers is, the Lerner’s are right to use Rizzo’s stability to run the front office. With either a huge transition coming next year, or building on major success, he is the guy you want in charge. Let him go and he builds a winner elsewhere.
One of the tougher adjustments a front office makes is changing philosophy mid-stream. As data analytics grabs a larger foothold in Major League Baseball, Rizzo has embraced it. The hire of Martinez and his coaching staff reflects the modern game.
If the Harper era ends when the season does, changing horses in the front office to make the transition is foolhardy. This is not the same as Dusty Baker’s departure. Regardless of how the year turns out, Rizzo deserves to stay.