Kasten has been the public face of the Nationals for the last 4 1/2 years, but has decided to step down at the end of the year.
Kasten was part of the group led by Washington-area real estate developer Ted Lerner that was picked by Major League Baseball to buy the Nationals in 2006.
Kasten was a key part of the Nationals front office that has been trying to turn around the franchise. He hoped to create success similar to that of the Atlanta Braves, who won a World Series championship and 14 consecutive division titles after Kasten oversaw their rebuilding.
The Nationals finished last in the league in both 2008 and 2009 giving the Nationals the number 1 overall pick in two consecutive years. With the picks the Nationals selected Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper. Strasburg dominated the league before an elbow injury sidelined him through next season.
