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Mike Rizzo’s running with Washington Nationals ended earlier this week. The MLB club relieved Rizzo from his daily manager tasks after 16 years.
Rizzo helped build the Nationals’ World Series -winning watch list in 2019. But the team had a rough first half of the 2025 season and went into Friday’s action in last place in NL East.
Despite his unusual exit from citizens, Rizzo still took a moment to show his appreciation of the team’s fanbase by offering what was probably an unexpected gesture.
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Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo before citizens play Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh April 14, 2025. (Charles Leclaire/Imag images)
Rizzo confirmed via his Rizzo Family Foundation Instagram account that NonProfit’s work would continue. He also expressed his gratitude to the fans and noted that he would be willing to cover the cost of drinks at a couple of sports bars in front of Monday’s Home Driving Derby.
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“As a way of saying thanks to the fans in 19 amazing years with Washington Nationals, take a ‘Round on Riz’ on Monday, July 14 before the home run Derby on Penn Quarter Sports Tavern or Walter’s Sports Bar. The first round of beer is on us from 17.00 The social media post said.
Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo speaks to the media during the MLB General Managers meetings at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa. (Mark J. Revilas/USA Today Sports)
Rizzo also responded to his dismissal during a radio conversation and said he had no “regret” about his time at the front office.
“I’m proud of what we achieved,” he told 106.7 fan. “I know I did it my way to lead the organization that I felt was the best and we had a lot of success.”
Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo answers questions from the media during the MLB GM meetings at Conrad Las Vegas November 9, 2022. (Lucas Peltier/USA Today Sports)
Rizzo also recognized the expectations of overseeing an MLB team’s baseball operations.
“This is a performance -based industry. When you are not executing the standards that ownership has set, it is their opportunity to make changes,” he said.
“I was a little surprised but I wasn’t shocked [after he was fired]”Said Rizzo.” Lerners and I have been talking every Monday since I’ve been there. … we had consistent communication through and I don’t think it was based on a series. ”
Mark Lerner is the citizens’ current principal owner. His father, Ted Lerner, served as the owner of the franchise in many of the same years Rizzo was general manager.
Washington prepared a 1,263-1,317 record and went on to the post season five times under Rizzo. Nationals also recently signed ways with manager Dave Martinez.
