Nationals Fire Interim Manager Miguel Cairo After Disappointing Season

UPDATE: The Washington Nationals have just confirmed that interim manager Miguel Cairo will not be retained as the team’s permanent manager following a disappointing season. The announcement of this major change comes as the Nationals continue their struggle on the field, finishing the 2025 season with a dismal 66-96 record.

A source with knowledge of the situation revealed to The Associated Press that Cairo’s coaching staff will also see significant turnover. Notable departures include pitching coach Jim Hickey, hitting coach Darnell Coles, bullpen coach Ricky Bones, first-base coach Gerardo Parra—known for his “Baby Shark” anthem—and third-base coach Ricky Gutierrez. These decisions come less than a month after the Nationals introduced Paul Toboni as their new president of baseball operations on October 1, 2025.

This overhaul is part of a broader strategy to revitalize a franchise that has endured six consecutive losing seasons since their 2019 World Series victory. The Nationals have struggled significantly, finishing 14th out of 15 teams in the National League this past season.

At the press conference where Toboni was appointed, owner Mark Lerner expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “We’re not happy where we are right now… Don’t give up on us; we’re going to be there again. Guaranteed.” Toboni is expected to outline the direction of the team and its management in the coming days.

Cairo, who had been with the Nationals as a bench coach since last year and was a close friend of former manager Dave Martinez, was appointed as interim manager in July after Martinez was fired. The team has faced mounting challenges, and the latest changes signal a critical turning point as they aim to recover from their recent failures.

As the Nationals seek a new direction, fans are left wondering who will take the helm for the 2026 season. The upcoming decisions will be crucial for a franchise desperate to reclaim its former glory.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Nationals finalize their coaching staff and management structure. This is a developing story that will impact the future of the team and its loyal fan base.