Former Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo Reflects On Firing, Extends Offer To Fans For Home Run Derby

Mike Rizzo's tally pinch nan Washington Nationals came to an extremity earlier this week. The MLB nine relieved Rizzo of his wide manager duties aft 16 years.

Rizzo helped build the Nationals' 2019 World Series-winning roster. But nan squad has had a unsmooth first half of nan 2025 play and entered Friday's action successful past spot successful nan NL East.

Despite his unceremonious exit from nan Nationals, Rizzo still took a infinitesimal to show his appreciation for nan team's instrumentality guidelines by offering what was apt an unexpected gesture.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Washington Nationals wide head Mike Rizzo earlier nan Nationals play nan Pittsburgh Pirates astatine PNC Park successful Pittsburgh April 14, 2025. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)

Rizzo, via his Rizzo Family Foundation Instagram account, confirmed nan nonprofit's activity would continue. He besides expressed his gratitude to nan fans and noted he would beryllium consenting to screen nan costs of drinks astatine a mates of sports bars up of Monday's Home Run Derby.

2025 MLB ALL-STAR GAME: BUILDING ALL-TIME LINEUPS FOR ALL 30 TEAMS

"As a measurement to opportunity convey you to nan fans for 19 astonishing years pinch nan Washington Nationals, drawback a ‘Round connected Riz’ Monday, July 14 earlier nan Home Run Derby astatine Penn Quarter Sports Tavern aliases Walter’s Sports Bar. First information of brew is connected america from 5-7 pm. Cheers to an unthinkable ride!" nan social media station said.

Washington Nationals wide head Mike Rizzo speaks to nan media during nan MLB wide managers meetings astatine Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sports)

Rizzo besides reacted to his dismissal during a power interview, saying he had "no regrets" astir his clip successful nan beforehand office.

"I’m proud of what we accomplished," he told 106.7 The Fan. "I cognize I did it my way, starring nan statement nan measurement I felt was best, and we had a batch of success."

Washington Nationals wide head Mike Rizzo answers questions from nan media during nan MLB GM Meetings astatine The Conrad Las Vegas Nov. 9, 2022. (Lucas Peltier/USA Today Sports)

Rizzo besides acknowledged nan expectations associated pinch overseeing an MLB team's shot operations. 

"This is simply a performance-based industry. When you don't execute to nan standards that ownership has set, it's their action to make changes," he said.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"I was a small surprised, but I wasn't shocked [after he was fired]," Rizzo said. "The Lerners and I person talked each Monday since I’ve been there. … We had accordant connection throughout, and I don't deliberation it was based connected 1 series."  

Mark Lerner is nan Nationals' existent main owner. His father, Ted Lerner, served arsenic nan franchise's proprietor for galore of nan aforesaid years Rizzo was nan wide manager.

Washington compiled a 1,263-1,317 grounds and precocious to nan postseason 5 times nether Rizzo. The Nationals besides precocious parted ways pinch head Dave Martinez.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports sum connected X, and subscribe to nan Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.