The Washington Nationals have hired Desmond McGowan from the New York Mets to serve as director of amateur acquisitions, bolstering their scouting efforts amid a front office overhaul. McGowan, who previously managed data science for the Mets with a focus on the draft, brings an analytics-driven approach to the role. This move aligns with the team's ongoing rebuild, emphasizing strong drafting to build their farm system.
Paul Toboni, the Nationals' new head of baseball operations, has prioritized scouting expertise in reshaping the front office following Mike Rizzo's departure. McGowan's appointment, reported on November 30, 2025, continues this trend, with Toboni also adding Justin Horwitz as assistant general manager and retaining Mike DeBartolo in a similar role. Blake Butera, the new manager, has similarly expanded the coaching staff.
McGowan began his baseball career as an analytics associate with the New York Yankees in 2019, then joined the Mets in 2021 as an analyst. He advanced to manager of data science earlier in 2025, serving as the analytics voice in the Mets' MLB Draft room under David Stearns. The Mets have built one of baseball's top farm systems through successful drafts, including third-round pick Nolan McLean, seventh-round selection Jonah Tong, and fourth-rounders AJ Ewing and Jacob Reimer, despite not often picking high.
Prior to baseball, McGowan worked six years at KPMG and interned in analytics for the NHL. His background mirrors aspects of interim GM DeBartolo's path. The Nationals, in a rebuild since 2021, aim to improve on past draft results under Rizzo, where high picks like Dylan Crews (second overall, 2023) have yet to establish as league-average hitters, and Elijah Green (fifth overall, 2022) has struggled with high strikeout rates in A-ball, exceeding 30% in some stretches.
Key prospects like James Wood, MacKenzie Gore, and CJ Abrams offer promise but are trade candidates. Emerging talents Eli Willits, Travis Sykora, and Jarlin Susana could debut in 2026. Toboni, a former Red Sox area scout, and hires like Devin Pearson underscore the focus on drafting to supplement homegrown core around pieces from the Juan Soto trade, such as Brady House. This overhaul seeks to address draft misses that hindered progress, with results expected in the farm system within 12-18 months.