Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker has overseen a period of significant success over the last three seasons, but it’s no guarantee he returns to the Minute Maid Park dugout in 2023.Baker, 73, is in the last year of his contract, and he did not reach an extension with the Astros ahead of — or during — the 2022 season. Baker addressed his future with the Astros before Game 3 of the ALCS on Saturday, though his answer didn’t provide much clarity.”I don’t want to be a distraction to my team,” Baker told reporters at Yankee Stadium. “I’ll let you know at the end of this year.”Baker has led the Astros to a period of sustained success since taking over for former manager AJ Hinch in 2020. Houston has won the AL West in each of the last three seasons under Baker, reaching the World Series in 2021 before losing to the Braves. Baker is in his 12th postseason as a manager, though he has yet to win a World Series.Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported earlier this week that Baker “will be asked back” as manager.Astros general manager James Click also faces an uncertain future with the franchise as he also is in the final year of his contract. Team owner Jim Crane was evasive when discussing Click’s future on Saturday. “James is doing fine,” Crane said. ‘We’ve got to finish up this season. He’s done a good job.”Baker and Click could very well end their Astros tenure with a World Series if this is their final year in Houston. The Astros enter Saturday’s game with a 2–0 lead in the ALCS, just six wins away from hoisting the commissioner’s trophy. Follow along with all the action for Game 3 in New York here.
Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker has overseen a period of significant success over the last three seasons, but it’s no guarantee he returns to the Minute Maid Park dugout in 2023.
Baker, 73, is in the last year of his contract, and he did not reach an extension with the Astros ahead of — or during — the 2022 season. Baker addressed his future with the Astros before Game 3 of the ALCS on Saturday, though his answer didn’t provide much clarity.
“I don’t want to be a distraction to my team,” Baker told reporters at Yankee Stadium. “I’ll let you know at the end of this year.”
Baker has led the Astros to a period of sustained success since taking over for former manager AJ Hinch in 2020. Houston has won the AL West in each of the last three seasons under Baker, reaching the World Series in 2021 before losing to the Braves. Baker is in his 12th postseason as a manager, though he has yet to win a World Series.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported earlier this week that Baker “will be asked back” as manager.
Astros general manager James Click also faces an uncertain future with the franchise as he also is in the final year of his contract. Team owner Jim Crane was evasive when discussing Click’s future on Saturday.
“James is doing fine,” Crane said. ‘We’ve got to finish up this season. He’s done a good job.”
Baker and Click could very well end their Astros tenure with a World Series if this is their final year in Houston. The Astros enter Saturday’s game with a 2–0 lead in the ALCS, just six wins away from hoisting the commissioner’s trophy.
Follow along with all the action for Game 3 in New York here.
