The Washington Nationals are planning to hire major league veteran Matt Williams as their next manager to replace the retired Davey Johnson, according to multiple reports.

A five-time All-Star third baseman for the San Francisco Giants, Cleveland Indians and Arizona Diamondbacks, the 47-year-old Williams will be making his big league managing debut after serving in coaching roles for the Diamondbacks for four years.

He served as the Diamondbacks' team broadcaster for five years before being hired as first-base coach in 2009.

FoxSports.com earlier reported the news, citing unnamed sources. MLB rules prohibit teams from making major announcements during the World Series.

Johnson, who joined the Nationals' front office in 2006, took over as manager in June 2011 after Jim Riggleman resigned. Johnson had announced before the 2013 season that it would be his last.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.