The Washington Nationals may be in the middle of a rebuild on the field, but off the field, their alumni are building something entirely different - coaching résumés. A wave of former Nats are stepping into new roles across Major League Baseball this offseason, from instructional positions to full-blown managerial gigs.
The most recent addition to that list? Michael A.
Taylor, who’s joining the Minnesota Twins as an outfield instructor.
For anyone who watched Taylor patrol center field over the past decade, this move feels like a natural fit. Taylor wasn’t just a good defender - he was elite.
Over his career, he racked up 64 Outs Above Average (OAA), according to Baseball Savant, and was a plus defender every single season. And that’s only counting from 2016 on, when OAA started being tracked.
Add in his first two seasons, and the numbers likely look even better.
Taylor's transition into coaching has been swift. He just wrapped up his playing career at the end of this past season, finishing things off fittingly at Nationals Park - though this time in a White Sox uniform.
Even in his mid-30s, Taylor was still flashing the leather, posting 3 OAA last year. That kind of consistency and defensive IQ is exactly what makes him a valuable resource for young outfielders.
He’ll start his coaching journey working with Minor League players in the Twins system. It’s a measured entry point, but one that gives Taylor room to grow.
And if he decides to stick with it, there’s every reason to believe his role could expand in the coming years. He already has some familiarity with Minnesota, having played a season there and contributing with both the glove and the bat - 21 home runs and his trademark defensive excellence.
But Taylor’s not the only former National making waves on the coaching front. Two others have taken the leap into managerial roles - and both are heading west.
Kurt Suzuki, the veteran catcher who played a key role in the Nationals’ 2019 World Series run, is now the manager of the Los Angeles Angels. He’s on a one-year deal, which means the pressure is on right out of the gate. But Suzuki isn’t walking in alone - he’s bringing some familiar faces with him.
One of his notable hires is Mike Maddux, a respected pitching coach with decades of experience. Though Maddux and Suzuki didn’t overlap in Washington, Suzuki clearly values what Maddux brings to the table. Maddux was part of the Nationals’ staff in 2016 and 2017 and is widely regarded as one of the sharpest minds in the game when it comes to handling pitching staffs.
Suzuki also tapped into his 2019 Nationals roots by hiring Adam Eaton as the Angels' first base coach. Eaton, known for his fiery competitiveness and clubhouse presence, has remained connected to the Nationals since retiring, even participating in outreach events like military base visits. Now, he’s reuniting with Suzuki in Anaheim, where he also wrapped up his playing career.
Meanwhile, down the coast in San Diego, another former Nat is stepping into the manager’s chair. Craig Stammen, the steady reliever who spent the early part of his career in D.C. before becoming a mainstay in the Padres bullpen, is now running the show in the dugout.
Stammen’s hiring comes with an interesting twist. He was originally tasked with interviewing managerial candidates - but ended up getting the job himself.
Whether that was always part of the plan or a pivot by Padres GM A.J. Preller, it’s clear the organization sees something in Stammen that goes beyond his playing days.
He’s bringing in his own crew, too - and it has a strong Nationals flavor. Randy Knorr, a longtime figure in the Washington organization, is coming on as the Padres’ bench coach.
Steven Souza Jr., a fan favorite in D.C. for his energy and big moments, will handle hitting coach duties. And Bob Henley, another Nationals lifer, is joining the staff as third base coach.
It’s a full-circle moment for many of these guys, transitioning from the field to the dugout, and now shaping the next generation of big leaguers. But the Nationals coaching tree doesn’t stop there.
Aaron Barrett, the emotional comeback story from the 2019 championship team, is now working with the Phillies as a rehab and complex pitching coordinator. He’s channeling his experience into helping young pitchers navigate the grind of recovery and development.
Wilson Ramos, another key figure from the Nationals’ past, isn’t in an official coaching role yet, but he’s staying close to the game. He’s expected to do some work during Spring Training, though not with the Nats.
And then there’s Howie Kendrick, who’s currently serving as a special assistant in the Phillies’ front office. Given his baseball IQ and leadership qualities, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him take on a coaching role down the line.
As more former players transition into coaching, it’s a reminder of how the game continues to evolve - and how the bonds formed in clubhouses can carry over into new roles. For the Nationals, it’s a point of pride to see so many of their former players stepping into leadership positions across the league. Whether it’s instructing minor leaguers, managing big-league clubs, or guiding young talent from behind the scenes, these former Nats are shaping the future of baseball - one dugout at a time.