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Dusty Baker hired by Washington Nationals as new manager

By Dave Stevenson

Sep 28, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker (12) in the dugout during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker (12) in the dugout during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Nationals have reportedly hired former Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker to be their new manager.

After what was a bit of a strange process, reports suggest that the Washington Nationals have announced that they have decided to hire Dusty Baker to be their sixth manager in franchise history. Baker replace Matt Williams, who was fired after an extremely disappointing 2015 season for the Nationals. He will be getting a two-year deal, according to Bob Nightengale.

Baker’s hiring comes less than a week after the Nationals had allegedly reached a deal with former San Diego Padres manager Bud Black. Black apparently disagreed with the club about his salary, so the Nats’ agreement with him, which was for two years, fell through.

It will be Baker’s job to help the Washington Nationals live up to lofty expectations. Despite an 83-79 season, the Nationals are still listed as one of the favorites to win the 2016 World Series, at 12-1 odds. Washington certainly possesses the talent to be an excellent team. They have likely 2015 NL MVP Bryce Harper, and an impressive rotation that features Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and Gio Gonzalez. Though there are also several players who need bounce back seasons, such as Jayson Werth, Anthony Rendon, and Ryan Zimmerman.

It’s worth noting that Nationals owner Ted Lerner is not afraid to open up his wallet to give his team what it needs to win. With starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann and center fielder Denard Span both hitting free agency in a few days, expect the Nationals to replace those guys via free agency. The Nationals will also have to fix a bullpen that cost them games repeatedly.

Dusty Baker has a 1671-1504 career record as a manager, a .526 win percentage. He has won the NL Manager of the Year three times and also finished second in 2010.

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