While the MLB Postseason continues to roll on with some exciting and somewhat surprising Division Series results so far, work has already begun for the Washington Nationals. Heading into their most pivotal offseason in years, their new man in charge is already getting set up in his new digs.
Paul Toboni, the new President of Baseball Operations for the Nationals, is going to have a lot of work on his plate to get this organization turned around. Between finding a new manager, replacing an entire coaching staff, and modernizing the team's approach to player development, it's safe to say Toboni will be a busy man over the next few months.
At just 35-years-old, it's also safe to say that the Nationals and their ownership group led by Mark Lerner are placing a ton of trust in Toboni, and hopefully his youthful age will help the franchise become a modernized team that excels in many aspects in which they've failed over the last few years.
Despite his young age, praise around the league has been pouring in since Toboni was officially introduced last week, especially from those connected to his former organization, the Boston Red Sox. Internally, the Red Sox have made it clear that Toboni's exit is a huge loss within their front office, and the Nationals are getting one of the best young minds in all of baseball.
One tweet from Lance Brozdowski summarized a lot of thoughts coming from people who have worked with Toboni, and the excerpts he provided should have all Nationals fans excited for the future. After MacKenzie Gore commented about the state of the organization and some of the things that had to change, it sounds like Toboni should line up very well with a lot of the things that will be necessary.
From that tweet, Brozdowski listed quotes such as, "Worked really hard to integrate player acquisition with player development [in Boston]” and that losing him is “Going to be a huge loss." Additionally, he was described as a “Masterclass in acquiring the best player development minds out there," which ia arguably the aspect that should inspire Nationals fans to be optimistic the most.
Needless to say, regardless of what happens in free agency, it sounds like the Washington Nationals are headed to a much better place, and although this rebuilding of the rebuild might be one that takes longer to happen than most would hope, having a great leader at the top will make everything else fall into place.
What are your first impressions of Paul Toboni in DC? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.