Now that he has a new multi-year contract, Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said his top priority is to strike a long-term deal with manager Dave Martinez.
The Nationals will be able to exercise an option to retain the Puerto Rican pilot in 2021. Rizzo declared Sunday that his predilection is to “discard” it and negotiate a new contract for the manager.
“The first priority is to make a deal with Davey,” Rizzo said. “My plan and preference is not to exercise the option and agree to something in the long term.”
The Nationals announced the extension with Rizzo on Saturday.
Martínez said the same day that his wish is to continue in Washington.
Mike already solved. Mine is close “, answered Martínez about his situation. “We’ll see what happens”.
Rizzo and Martínez led the Nats to the World Series championship in 2019, the first for the franchise. This year, Washington languishes in last place in the National League East.
“When you’re in the midst of these results, it’s not easy to celebrate an individual achievement,” Rizzo said of his new contract.
Asked if he was frustrated by the delay in closing the extension, Rizzo said the deal will allow his subordinates to relax.
Negotiations with shortstop Trea Turner may be the other priority for Rizzo, who mentioned that an extension was considered during the preseason.
Turner signed a $ 7.45 million deal for this campaign. He will be able to declare himself a free agent in 2023. (GG)(TAKEN MLB.COM)