The Houston Astros believe their manager Dusty Baker has some unfinished business after a tough 2021 World Series loss earlier this week. This is why the franchise decided to give him a new one-year deal and have the 72-year-old back in the dugout for 2022.
The Astros confirmed the news on their social media on Friday.
In a team-released statement, the team’s owner Jim Crane said that the franchise is “very, very excited” to have Baker back.
“He’s done a great job this last year,” Crane added. “Great in the locker room, great with the fans, great with the media.”
Baker took over as the Astros manager ahead of the shortened 2020 MLB season after AJ Hinch was fired for his role in the team’s notorious sign-stealing scandal. He was hired in part due to his ability to provide steady leadership, and he delivered in that regard while also having Houston playing some great baseball.
This was especially the case in 2021 when the Astros blitzed to the AL West title and then cruised to a World Series appearance. Still, they couldn’t make the final step and ended up losing to the Atlanta Braves in six games.
“Looking forward to being part of this organization and this city,” Baker said in a statement. “I have some tremendous ties here and have some unfinished business to take care of. But we’re close. We’re getting better and better every year.”
Dusty Baker previously also managed the San Francisco Giants, the Cincinnati Reds, the Chicago Cubs, and the Washington Nationals. He was honored with the NL Manager of the Year award three times, while his 1,987 career wins currently rank at number 12 for most in MLB history.
