Dear Nats Fans,

Since my family was awarded the team twelve years ago, we have been steadfast in our commitment to provide fans with a first class experience at Nationals Park — and that includes putting a quality product on the field each and every year. That commitment remains unchanged.

In spite of a player payroll that exceeds $200 million — the 2nd highest in baseball — and exceeding the luxury tax threshold, so far this season has not lived up to everyone’s expectations. The trade deadline forced us to take a hard look at the roster and contemplate whether to keep the team we have for the remainder of the season or make significant changes.

At the end of the day, my family and Mike Rizzo decided that we just couldn’t give up on this team. We couldn’t look ourselves in the mirror knowing that we had simply thrown in the towel on a team full of talent and heart.

The business of baseball is not always pretty. These are tough decisions — decisions that our organization does not take lightly. But I believe in this team. I believe in the twenty-five guys that we have in our clubhouse. I believe in Davey Martinez and our coaching staff. And I believe in our fans — that you will continue to embrace this team. Show up, cheer loudly, wear red knowing that the guys on this team need to hear you each and every game.

Our goal has not changed — we want to bring a World Series trophy to Washington, D.C.

That’s what our fans rightly expect. And that’s what my family expects.

Best,

Mark