Dusty Baker is returning to the Houston Astros in 2023.
The 73-year-old manager confirmed on Tuesday that he will be the team’s manager next season. Brian McTaggart, an Astros reporter for MLB.com, broke the news of Baker’s return to the team. “Dusty Baker confirms he’ll return to manage Astros in 2023,” McTaggart wrote.
The contract isn’t finalized yet, however, it appears that’s just a formality.
Dusty Baker confirms he'll return to manage the Astros in 2023, though the contract isn't finalized: "I always said if I win one, I want two. I like to keep my word. This is as much fun as I've had ever."
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) November 8, 2022
Since taking over in Houston following the cheating scandal that banished A.J. Hinch, Baker has done nothing but succeed. Baker has led the Astros to back-to-back American League pennants and three consecutive ALCS appearances. They’ve won the AL West in each of the last two seasons and haven’t finished worse than second place. They won 106 games this year, a career-best for the future Hall of Fame manager. In fact, it was the first time he led a team to 100+ wins since his very first season managing back in 1993 with the San Francisco Giants (103).
After falling short of winning the World Series in 2021, the team won it all in 2022 over the Philadelphia Phillies in six games. He has been a successful manager everywhere but that World Series Championship was what eluded him.
After achieving that finally, the 73-year-old isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
The MLB world reacted to the news of Baker staying around in Houston for 2023.
Dusty Baker's journey started with a car trip to the press conference listening to In The Loop with @LopezOnSports and Landry along with @TheFiggyFig and continues as a #WorldSeries champion going for another one. #LevelUp pic.twitter.com/pnlaS6oVTC
— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) November 8, 2022
Let’s go! https://t.co/gr6qAb1rTt
— Alex Del Barrio (@alexdelbarrio) November 8, 2022
The @astros should have finalized this years ago. And Jim Crane needs to give Dusty a five-year deal. Damn this one and 2-year deal crap. Maybe hire Jimbo Fisher’s agent. Nah. Jim ain’t dumb like the @tamu Board Of Regents. https://t.co/p3nvpjmnZ7
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) November 8, 2022
Because, why not? Astros are in a great position to become the first repeat champion since Yankees of 1998-2000. #waittosee https://t.co/F2aIt12Kbk
— David P. Samson (@DavidPSamson) November 8, 2022
Yes! Love this! Dusty Baker is BACK! Let’s go Back to Back https://t.co/1hAnCw1sBX
— Htown Wheelhouse™️2X World Series Champs '17, '22 (@HtownWheelhouse) November 8, 2022
DUSTY IS BACK!!! https://t.co/UTrR9A6KbP
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) November 8, 2022
[MLB.com]
