Astros manager Dusty Baker finished the 2022 season on top of the world, winning the World Series for the first time in his illustrious career as a skipper. A year later, his future is in doubt.
Baker, the oldest manager in baseball, has been the subject of retirement rumors throughout the 2023 season. He said immediately after winning the 2022 World Series that he wanted to try and win another, but the Astros dropped the final two games of the ALCS and were eliminated by the Rangers on Monday.
Houston brought Baker in after firing manager A.J. Hinch over the franchise sign-stealing scandal after the 2019 season. While it looked like Baker’s career might have been over before the Astros called, he has led the organization to four consecutive ALCS appearances, two trips to the World Series and one title. Did his run come to an end when the Rangers recorded the final out on Monday?
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Here are the latest updates on Baker’s status with the Astros, including comments from the man himself following Houston’s exit.
Is Dusty Baker retiring?
The Athletic reported Monday that Baker has told people both inside and outside the Astros organization that he plans to step down.
According to the report, Baker “wants to remain in the game in some capacity” but doesn’t plan on managing in 2024.
Baker, however, denied that a decision was made when he spoke to reporters following the Astros’ Game 7 loss.
“I don’t know,” Baker said, explaining that he hasn’t had time to consider his future. Still, he didn’t shy away from the possibility, noting that he’s had to spend considerable time away from his family in his “quest for another ring.”
Dusty Baker, with the media, asked when he’ll begin to evaluate what he wants to do about next season. (His contact is up): “I don’t know, I haven’t had time to evaluate or think about my future because I’m down the list as far as — like I’m not that kind of dude.I don’t want..” pic.twitter.com/XzFOxCpA14
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) October 24, 2023
Baker was fired by the Nationals in 2017 after back-to-back NL East titles, but he continued to pursue managerial jobs. He was a finalist for the Phillies’ job in 2019 before it went to Joe Girardi.
Three months later, the fallout of the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal opened three managerial jobs. With the Astros’ window to contend still wide open, Baker turned out to be the perfect fit to guide the franchise past a difficult period.
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How old is Dusty Baker?
Baker is 74, making him the oldest manager in baseball. He’s set to turn 75 in June.
Despite Baker’s success with the Astros and several other franchises, his job has been treated as a year-to-year commitment largely because of his age. He was given three consecutive one-year contracts after being hired and is again set to be a free agent at the end of the postseason.
Of course, it doesn’t appear the Astros will have to worry about other teams pursuing Baker. At this point in his career, the options seem to be Houston or retirement.
Baker has managed five different teams in his career, carrying a record of 2,183-1,862 across 26 seasons. He’s seventh all-time in managerial wins, behind six Hall of Famers. If this is it for Baker, his countdown to Cooperstown will officially begin.