Washington Nationals: Getting rid of Dusty Baker was a mistake

The Washington Nationals have been a tremendous disappointment, and that can be traced back to a move they made in the offseason.

Heading into the 2018 season, it was essentially World Series or Bust for the Washington Nationals. Bryce Harper was set to be a free agent after the season, as were Gio Gonzalez, Daniel Murphy, and several relievers. After being bounced in the first round in each of the past two seasons, and four of the past six years, reaching the postseason was no longer enough.

To take that next step, the Nationals made a curious move. Dusty Baker was out after two excellent years that saw the team post a combined 192-132 record. In came neophyte manager Dave Martinez, who despite being Joe Maddon‘s right hand man for years, had never had the reigns for himself. Now, with the Nationals struggling to remain in the chase for the postseason, confidence in Martinez is dissipating in the clubhouse.

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One can certainly quibble with Baker’s contributions, and whether or not he was the right manager to take the club to the next level. However, Baker was a well respected member of the clubhouse, an elder statesman who had been to the Promised Land with the Giants. Even though he had never won a World Series title as a manager, he was able to get the best out of his players. He had a wealth of experience and a way of connecting with his players.

Martinez, before he even finished his introductory press conference, had two strikes against him. He was replacing the respected Baker, who the players wanted to return to the squad. He was also a rookie manager, someone that had not been through those battles. He may have been respected as a coach, but it is different when the reigns of an organization are handed over.

It is not entirely Martinez’ fault that the Nationals have imploded. The catcher position has gotten even worse, a black hole in the lineup. Murphy has dealt with injury, and has not been the same player he once was. The same can be said for Ryan Zimmerman, whose renaissance last year looks like an aberration. The bullpen has been a disaster this season.

However, those clubhouse problems can be placed squarely on Martinez. Watching the Nationals two aces, Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg, get into a heated argument in the dugout cannot be good for morale. Neither can seeing Trea Turner not hustle on a play. Harper has been campaigning for the Nationals to add another catcher, eroding confidence in the players already there.

As the Nationals implode, one has to wonder what would have happened had they retained Baker for one more year. While he would not be a guarantee that another postseason berth was coming, these problems likely would not have happened either. The Nationals respected Baker – by their actions, it is clear that the team does not hold Martinez in the same regard.

The Washington Nationals have been a disappointment this season. The struggles this season all go back to their decision to move on from Dusty Baker, and bring a rookie manager into a clubhouse with such high expectations.