Will Dusty Baker be back with the Astros next season?

Dusty Baker and the Houston Astros fell short of winning the World Series, losing to the Atlanta Braves in six games. So, what happens next?

When the Houston Astros brought Dusty Baker on board, they were in the midst of a scandal that drew all sorts of scrutiny. In addition to that, Houston had just lost the 2019 World Series, losing to the Washington Nationals despite having the starting pitching trio of Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and Zack Greinke.

Baker was able to guide the Astros through the odd, pandemic-shortened 2020 season and get Houston right back into the ALCS. They ultimately fell short of making the World Series as they lost to the Tampa Bay Rays, but 2021 brought another World Series berth, Houston’s third in five seasons.

Now Baker’s contract is up, and given the fact that he’s 72-years-old, Houston has to consider whether or not they’ll stick with him for another season.

Houston Astros: Will Dusty Baker return with Astros for 2022 season?

Assuming the Astros and Baker are unable to come to some sort of agreement, Houston will almost certainly be fine. There’s no doubt that this organization will have plenty of possible candidates lining up to help lead one of MLB’s best teams.

Dating back to 2017, the Astros are on a run of making it to the World Series every other season. While the farm system situation isn’t exactly ideal, Houston has a bright General Manager in James Click, who assembled a roster that got the Rays of all teams to the World Series. If he can do that there, he can certainly do the same in Houston.

All that said, Baker sure seems intent on getting the Astros back to the World Series and winning it.

Baker will almost certainly have another shot to come back next year, which might end up being his final season of what has been a long, decorated career.

If Click and the rest of the front office can figure out what’s going to happen with Houston’s starting pitching and Carlos Correa, then this team should be primed to make another championship run in 2022. And it seems like there’s a decent chance that Baker will be the one guiding them on that path.