Former Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo getting interviewed by the Astros

Jupiter, Florida - February 13, 2025 - When Mike Rizzo was dismissed as the Washington Nationals' General Manager in July 2025, many were curious about his next move. At the age of 64, Rizzo had not shown any inclination to retire. After a year away from baseball, he has now become a contender for the General Manager position with the Houston Astros. According to a report by Bob Nightengale, Rizzo is set to receive an interview for the position.

The Astros and Nationals have a history that dates back to the 2019 World Series, where Houston emerged victorious. The two franchises also share a Spring Training facility in West Palm Beach. If Rizzo were to secure the Astros GM job, he would undoubtedly be a frequent presence during the Spring Training period. It would be intriguing to observe how the two teams function at the same Spring Training site.

Rizzo's replacement in Washington, Paul Toboni, has implemented a more technologically advanced approach, replacing the traditional "I don't care how hard you throw ball four" signs. Despite Rizzo's preference for a more traditional management style, I believe he could be successful in Houston. With a veteran Astros team not hesitant to spend money, Rizzo's experience and expertise would be well-suited to the organization.

Although Rizzo may not be an innovator at this point in his career, he still possesses a keen eye for trades and excels in player scouting. He will need to adapt to the growing emphasis on analytics, but he may have acquired valuable lessons since his termination in Washington.

As Rizzo is interviewed for the Astros GM position, it remains to be seen if he will secure the job. If he does, the outcome of his tenure will be fascinating to watch. Rizzo built a championship team and won the NL East four times during his time with the Nationals, but the team's recent performance has been less impressive. While it's not guaranteed that Rizzo will receive the Astros job, the interest he has garnered for the position is more substantial than when he was considered for the Athletics' position.

Regardless of the outcome, I would be eager to see Rizzo in Houston and would support him if he were to be hired.