

Nats GM Mike Rizzo. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Bryan Minniti, a well-respected former Nationals assistant general manager, was hired to fill the same job title with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team announced on Thursday evening. Minniti left the Nationals three days after their first-round playoff exit, a surprising move after serving as Washington’s assistant general manager for five years.

Minniti will serve as the Diamondbacks’ assistant general manager in a revamped front office. The Diamondbacks have a front office leader (Chief Baseball Officer Tony LaRussa, a former manager), a new general manager (former pitcher and agent Dave Stewart) and manager (Chip Hale).

Minniti joined the Nationals in 2009 as an assistant general manager and was a highly valued member of the front office. He handled everything from contracts to helping with daily operations of the team. Many rival executives and player agents sought him out when dealing with the Nationals because of his responsiveness and professionalism. Minniti is viewed across baseball as a future general manager candidate.

Minniti spent nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates before joining the Nationals. He had been a constant in the Washington front office, playing a role in helping guide the Nationals’ rise from the bottom to the top of the National League East.

The Nationals have remained mum about how they plan to replace Minniti. If they choose to promote from within, Director of Baseball Operations Adam Cromie would be a prime candidate. Cromie, who worked closely with Minniti, was key in overhauling the Nationals’ analytical department and building their internal database. The Nationals are also in talks with former Cincinnati Reds vice president and assistant general manager Bob Miller, who worked with Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo when the two were with the Diamondbacks.