The Houston Astros will reportedly be getting their top managerial target.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Astros have reached a short-term deal with Dusty Baker to make him the team’s new manager. A press conference is reportedly scheduled for Thursday.
The Houston #Astros and Dusty Baker have reached agreement on a short-term deal to become their new manager
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 29, 2020
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Baker will sign a two-year deal.
Dusty Baker agrees to two-year deal to manage #Astros, source tells The Athletic. First: @BNightengale.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 29, 2020
Baker had been reported to be the Astros’ top choice, but they had to work out a contract. The short-term deal makes sense, suggesting that the Astros will ultimately seek out a manager who fits in more with the organizational philosophy, but right now they’re more focused on steadying the ship.
Baker is perfect to do just that. His old-school tactical mentality is an odd fit for the Astros and their modern, sabermetric approach, but that’s secondary right now. The franchise is embroiled in a cheating scandal, and there will be major distractions early in the season. Baker, one of the best clubhouse managers in the lead, is the perfect manager to guide them through that.
