Washington Nationals: Mike Rizzo’s contract must be extended

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 6: President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo looks on during batting practice before the game against the Atlanta Braves on April 6, 2014 at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 6: President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo looks on during batting practice before the game against the Atlanta Braves on April 6, 2014 at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Mike Rizzo is in his final year under contract with the Washington Nationals, and it would be a good idea for them to give him a contract extension.

It would be a very bad decision if the Washington Nationals let Mike Rizzo leave after the 2018 season. He has done a tremendous job in wheeling and dealing the roster during the season and the offseason.

Rizzo’s eye for talent is one of the best in the big leagues. Ever since he came to Washington, he has transformed the roster and has made them a World Series contender for the last six years.

It’s very rare to have a General Manager that has a good rapport with Scott Boras, but Rizzo does. Boras is known to have his clients test the free agent market, but Stephen Strasburg signed a contract extension with the Nationals mid-season. That’s a big deal.

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Rizzo will do whatever it takes to improve the ballclub, as you saw during the 2017 season when the bullpen was struggling. He made some moves before the trade deadline that dramatically improved the back-end of the ‘pen.

It’s no secret that Bryce Harper might leave after the 2018 season, but the Nationals’ window to win close if that happens. Rizzo has set the roster up to continue to win if Harper leaves. Let’s hope he doesn’t though.

Just waiting in the minors is Victor Robles. He’s going to be a great player, which is a big reason why Rizzo doesn’t want to trade him, no matter how big of an offer the Nationals get.

It would be a huge mistake if Rizzo leaves. He knows how to bring the best players into this organization and he’s been proving it for years now.

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Here’s to hoping Mike Rizzo is the Washington Nationals’ General Manager for years to come. If he leaves, there are not many better options to replace him.