The Nationals' newly hired manager Blake Butera has begun filling out his coaching staff.
The team named Michael Johns bench coach in an announcement made by Butera and president of baseball operations Paul Toboni on Monday.
Like Butera, Johns comes to the Nats from the Rays organization. He most recently served as Tampa Bay’s first-base coach from 2024-25. In this role, Johns oversaw outfield and baserunning, as well.
“Michael shares the same values that are important to me and to our organization,” Butera said. “He’s humble, has an incredible work ethic and his preparation and attention to detail are unmatched. He played a major role in building Tampa Bay’s player development system and brings valuable recent Major League experience. More than anything, I know he’ll do everything he can to help our players, staff and organization succeed.”
Johns, 50, has nearly 20 years of coaching experience. His résumé with the Rays also includes Triple-A Durham manager (2023), Minor League field coordinator (‘18-22), High-A Charlotte manager (‘15-17), Single-A Bowling Green manager (‘14), Single-A Short Season Hudson Valley manager (‘13) and Rookie-level Princeton manager (‘10-12).
Johns led Durham to the 2023 International League Championship Series appearance, and his Charlotte team won the 2015 Florida State League championship.
Johns was selected by the Rockies in the 19th round of the 1997 Draft out of Tulane. He played two seasons in Colorado’s Minor League system with the Single-A Short Season Rockies in ‘97 and the Single-A Asheville Tourists in ‘98. Johns played for the Independent League Allentown Ambassadors in ‘99, and then he moved on to being an assistant coach at Fernandina Beach (Fla.) High School and head coach at Orange Park (Fla.) High School from 2004-07.
Johns is the first coach named to Butera’s 2026 staff.