The Washington Nationals are continuing their overhaul under new leadership, as first-year manager Blake Butera brings a trusted colleague from the Tampa Bay Rays to join his staff. The Nationals have named Michael Johns their new bench coach, officially beginning a new chapter in the franchise’s rebuild. The move highlights Butera’s intent to blend youthful leadership with proven experience, aiming to create a cohesive, forward-thinking culture built on trust and player development.
The hire marks one of the first major moves of the Butera era and reflects a growing league-wide trend. More teams are now adopting the innovative methods long associated with the Rays coaching tree. Johns, who served as Tampa Bay’s first-base coach for the past two seasons, also managed several affiliates within the organization and built a strong professional bond with Butera during their time together.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal took to his X (formerly known as Twitter) to confirm the move, noting how Johns’ experience will complement Washington’s rookie skipper. He wrote,
“Michael Johns, the Rays’ first-base coach the past two seasons, will be the bench coach for new Nationals manager Blake Butera, sources tell @TheAthletic. Johns managed the Rays’ Triple A club in 2023 and five other affiliates over eight seasons.”
The relationship between the Nationals' new manager and Johns extends far beyond the dugout. Johns once supervised Butera during his time in the Rays’ minor league system, making the reunion both strategic and personal. For the Nationals, it’s a calculated step toward stability as the organization continues to modernize its baseball operations under President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni.
Johns brings nearly two decades of coaching and development experience to Washington. His arrival helps fill a crucial gap for Butera, who at 33 years old becomes the youngest manager in Major League Baseball since 1972. Their shared history also creates an early foundation of trust and alignment. Together, they plan to install a philosophy centered on analytics, player development, and efficiency. They will also emphasize adaptability and communication—hallmarks of the Rays’ success over the past decade.
As the club enters the 2026 season, the message is clear. This isn’t just a rebuild — it’s a rebrand of the club's identity, built on trust, innovation, and shared experience.
