MLB

Washington Nationals’ New 33-Year-Old Manager Is MLB’s Youngest Since 1972

Blake Butera is tasked with turning around the Nats, who won the 2019 World Series but have found no success since. Last season they finished 66-96.
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Washington Nationals’ New 33-Year-Old Manager Is MLB’s Youngest Since 1972
The Washington Nationals logo on a practice field prior to a spring training game in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Feb. 28, 2017. Joel Auerbach/Getty Images
Ross Kelly
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The Washington Nationals have settled on a new manager for the 2026 season, and it’s a historic hire not only for the franchise but for Major League Baseball.

The Nationals have appointed former Tampa Bay Rays minor league manager Blake Butera as their new skipper, and he’s all of 33 years old. That makes Butera the youngest MLB manager since Frank Quilici managed the Minnesota Twins just a few days younger, way back in 1972.

Ross Kelly
Ross Kelly
Author
Ross Kelly is a sports journalist who has been published by ESPN, CBS and USA Today. He has also done statistical research for Stats Inc. and Synergy Sports Technology. A graduate of LSU, Ross resides in Houston.