Nationals agree to terms with Dave Martinez

The Washington Nationals have agreed to a multi-year extension with Manager Dave Martinez.

Martinez, 56, is in his third season as the Manager of the Washington Nationals after being named the seventh field manager in team history on Oct. 30, 2017. Through a steady, unwavering approach, consistent strategy and never-ending positivity and support for players, Martinez led the Washington Nationals on an improbable run to the 2019 World Series Championship.

"Three years ago when we selected Davey to be our Manager, he made a promise to our fans that he would bring a World Championship back to Washington, D.C.," Washington Nationals Managing Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner. "There was never any doubt in my mind that he would make that dream a reality. Davey's determination and unwavering support of his players is admirable. We are so fortunate to have him leading our clubhouse each and every day."

"I can't say enough about Davey's leadership qualities and the poise he shows under pressure," said Washington Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo. "The players, coaches and staff have the utmost respect for him as a manager and a person. There is no one else our team would rather have at the helm. I look forward to our continued partnership as we work together to bring another World Series Championship to our fans."

"Davey is exactly the right person to lead our clubhouse for years to come," said Lerner Sports Group Chief Operating Officer Alan H. Gottlieb. "He has quickly established himself as one of the most respected managers in Major League Baseball and we are thrilled to have him as part of our organization."

Martinez navigated a 19-31 (.380) start in 2019 to become the second team in Major League history to win a World Series after being 12 games under .500 at any point during a season, joining the 1914 Boston Braves. From May 24th, 2019 through the end of the 2019 season, Martinez led the Nationals to a 74-38 (.661) record, tied for the second-best record in Major League Baseball from that point through the end of the season.

With 198 entering Saturday, Martinez is just 27 wins shy of passing Davey Johnson for the most managerial wins (224) in Nationals history (2005-pres.). Early in the 2021 season, Martinez - with 381 games entering Saturday - will pass Johnson as the longest tenured manager in team history (407 games).

The 2020 season marks Martinez's 32nd season in professional baseball, including 10 years (2008-17) as a Major League bench coach with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Chicago Cubs. A veteran of 16 Major League seasons as a player, Martinez broke into the big leagues with the Chicago Cubs in 1986 at the age of 21. He went on to play in 1,918 games while amassing 1,599 hits for nine clubs across his 16-year Major League career.