MLB rumors: 3 most shocking hot and cold manager seats
By Josh Wilson
Shocking: Dusty Baker could hit the market
Dusty Baker is largely viewed as one of the strongest active managers in the MLB. You have to credit the Houston Astros organization from top to bottom for things like roster construction and player acquisition over the last several years, but Baker’s ability to lead successful teams is unquestionable.
Talented teams don’t just win by default, the skills must be activated by a strong leader and quality manager.
Baker with the Astros has a 60% win rate and has earned the team two American League pennants and one World Series victory.
But that said, he’s not a sure thing in Houston for the long haul. Rosenthal explained in his column that Baker’s future is up in the air because the Astros are currently on pace to miss the playoffs, and Jim Crane might see an opportunity to create a fresh slate with a managerial change. He also added that it’s notable that Baker has been closed-off on questions from the media this year about whether or not he wants to continue managing.
The big question, if the Astros move on from Baker, is whether or not he would pick up a job elsewhere. Baker is a proven manager and has spent most of his adult life involved in MLB as a player, coach or manager — though he did have a short career as a stockbroker between his playing and coaching career — but he’s 74 and could see it as an ideal time to exit the sport.
If he wants to continue managing, there will surely be an opportunity for him.