Nationals hand out pink slips early, then rally late to beat Mets

Rizzo is still negotiating with ownership, according to three people with knowledge of his situation. Asked Wednesday about his contract status in a radio interview on 106.7 the Fan, Rizzo said: “This has been my home for 17 years. I’ve been here since 2006 and plan on being here for a long time beyond that.” But should he return, as many in the organization expect, his operation will certainly look different.

DiPuglia, hired in the fall of 2009, was one of Rizzo’s closest confidants in the organization. Among the 10 scouts let go, six — John Mirabelli, Mike Pagliuaro, Jon Weil, Willie Fraser, Matt Ruebel and Jeff Harris — were special assistants to Rizzo. Their departures were first reported by the Athletic. The four other scouts were members of the international department: Mike Cadahia (director of international operations), Alex Rodriguez (Latin American crosschecker), Jose Pepe Ortega (scout in the Dominican Republic) and David Leer (scout in Aruba).

More turnover could be on the way, according to multiple people familiar with the club’s plans, potentially affecting the amateur scouting department and player development staff. With DiPuglia and Cadahia gone, two of DiPuglia’s top lieutenants, Fausto Severino and Modesto Ulloa, maintain influence on the international side. This season, the Nationals’ Dominican Summer League team finished with an 11-39 record (worst in the league) and a minus-140 run differential (second worst).

Since Nationals ownership began exploring selling the franchise in April 2022, the most stability would appear to be at the major league level. Last month, Manager Dave Martinez signed a two-year extension with a team option for a third season. That should lend him a good bit of influence moving forward, particularly with regard to his coaching staff. But on the field, the Nationals (63-77) have backslid after a strong six-week stretch following the all-star break.

Wednesday’s victory snapped a six-game losing streak. It also assured the team would not lose 100 games for the second straight year. Young’s first walk-off hit came after four scoreless innings from the bullpen. Still, the Nationals have dropped eight of 10.

“He’s one of many that are going to come up and help us win games,” Martinez said of the 24-year-old Young. “I’m happy for him. I’m happy for our club. What I…