The Washington Nationals are finalizing a deal to name Paul Toboni as the teams’ new head of baseball operations, ESPN reported Wednesday afternoon.
Toboni, 35, is regarded as one of the most coveted young executives in baseball. Before joining the Nationals, Toboni served as the assistant general manager for the Boston Red Sox and was a part of the organization for 11 years.
Part of Toboni’s allure has been his keen eye for talent. He served as Boston’s VP of amateur scouting and player development as well as their director of amateur scouting. He had a major hand in drafting much of the Red Sox’s young talent.
Tobani can be credited for running the draft when the Red Sox chose outfielder Roman Anthony, shortstop Marcelo Mayer, infielder Kristian Campbell and left-handers Payton Tolle and Connelly Early.
The move comes after Washington cleaned house by firing both manager Dave Martinez as well as president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo back on July 6. Both Martinez and Rizzo helped lead the Nationals to the club’s lone World Series title in 2019 but have finished with a bottom six record every season since.
Rizzo had been with the organization since its move to Washington and served as the general manager since 2009.
Mike DeBartolo has served as the assistant general manager since Rizzo’s exit.