MLB

Nationals hire Paul Toboni as head of baseball operations

This news broke during the Nationals-Braves game yesterday.

Interesting timing? Sure, but it was prudent of Washington to identify its lead decision maker prior to the offseason. After all, the organization has been run in a messy manner for years, so the sooner the franchise stabilizes, the better.

Toboni, 35, previously served as the Red Sox’s assistant general manager. He rose rapidly to that position, so the Nationals are making a big bet that he’s ready to take over the head chair. In Washington, his job won’t be easy, but the club boasts key pieces in James Wood, CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore. More talent, however, is obviously needed.

Grade: A-