Since the 2025 ended for the Washington Nationals, there has been a ton of uncertainty within the organization. In fact, you could argue that it dates back to the firing of Mike Rizzo and Davey Martinez back in early July, as nobody really knew what direction the organization was headed.
We came to find out that there was a lot of turmoil behind the scenes, which ultimately left the organization feeling like they had to get rid of Rizzo before he was able to make the #1 overall pick barely over a week later, which ended up being Eli Willits. While the youngster still has a long way to go until he makes the big leagues, one big hurdle he will have to clear will be the upper levels of the minor leagues.
Even to get to the upper levels, you would figure Willits has at least one full season to go, as last season as a 17-year-old, he made his way to Low-A Fredericksburg, and was able to get his feet wet. He will have the opportunity to continue to progress through the system, and eventually he should haev the chance to play for the Rochester Red Wings, the AAA affiliate of the Nationals.
Why is this relevant? Well, if things continue to progress as they are now, there is a good chance that Willits will be managed by a familiar face who has had the pleasure of overseeing so many top Nationals prospects. That face is Matt LeCroy, who is maybe the most beloved figure at any level of the minor leagues within the organization.
LeCroy was announced about a week ago by Spencer Nusbaum on X that he would be returning for his 18th year within the Nationals' organization, which does not even include his time as a player. He has been a coach in the minors for the Nationals since 2008, and is still going strong at just 50-years-old.
After new President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni came in and cleaned house throughout the organization, especially on the coaching side, he made it a point to retain LeCroy, and had extended him a contract offer to remain with the franchise. Ultimately, although it took awhile to get a firm answer, LeCroy is officially back in the fold for the 2026 season, and this is great continuity for the organization to retain their beloved AAA manager.
What do you think of Matt LeCroy continuing his longtime tenure within the Nationals' organization? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.