Nationals hire former Royals COO to lead business operations

The Washington Nationals’ front-office overhaul continued Wednesday as the franchise hired Jason Sinnarajah as its president of business operations.

Sinnarajah previously spent four years with the Kansas City Royals as the club’s chief operating officer and senior vice president. 

“Jason is a transformative leader with a proven track record of using data and innovation to enhance the fan experience and drive organizational excellence,” Nationals owner Mark Lerner said in a statement. “By creating the President of Business Operations role, we are ensuring that our business strategy is as modern and forward-thinking as our baseball strategy.”

In Kansas City, Sinnarajah led a revamp of the team’s stadium experience, including overhauled concessions and the implementation of fan-entry technology. 

“The organization has a clear vision for the future — one built on innovation, excellence and a deep commitment to the fans and the D.C. community that my family and I are excited to make our home,” the new executive said.

Sinnarajah, a Toronto native, also worked with the Cleveland Guardians, the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and Google. 

He’s the latest addition to the Nationals this offseason, alongside new President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni, general manager Ani Kilambi and manager Blake Butera. 

The club has been relatively quiet in free agency, though. The Nationals claimed former San Francisco Giants outfielder Joey Weimer off waivers on Monday. The 26-year-old has hit 16 home runs with 54 RBIs through 180 MLB games with the Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds and Miami Marlins. 

Washington also extended a spring training invite to first baseman Matt Mervis on Friday. The District native appeared in 78 MLB games with the Chicago Cubs and Marlins, slugging 10 homers with a .165 average.