Davey Johnson to return as Nationals manager, likely to retire after 2013 season

The Washington Nationals have come to terms with Davey Johnson on an agreement to keep him as the club's manager in 2013, according to a report by William Ladson of MLB.com.

According to Adam Kilgore of The Washington Post, both sides have come to the understanding that Johnson will retire after the 2013 season and then will become a special adviser to general manager Mike Rizzo in 2014. Johnson had previously stated that he would have retired following the 2012 season had the Nationals won the World Series. After their loss in the divisional round to the St. Louis Cardinals, Johnson stated that he had unfinished business.

Johnson led the Nationals to a Major League leading 98 wins in 2012 and led the franchise to their first postseason appearance since the team relocated to Washington. He is also a finalist for the Manager of the Year award.

According to Rizzo, Johnson's successor will come from within the Nationals organization. Bench coach Randy Knorr, base coach Trent Jewett, Class AAA manager Tony Beasley and Class AA manager Matt LeCroy are all considered potential candidates.