Dusty Baker will remain as manager of the Houston Astros for a third season, after reaching a one-year agreement with the reigning American League champions.
Baker replaced AJ Hinch, who was suspended by Major League Baseball following his involvement in the sign stealing scandal. by the team, which later dismissed him.
The Astros fell to Tampa Bay in the 2020 American League Championship Series. This year, they reached the World Series, where Atlanta beat them in six games.
“We have a bright future here, and a present too,” Baker said Friday. “I just had some unfinished business to attend to, but we were close. We improve every year.”
Baker, 72, he has never won a World Series as a manager. Accumulates 1,987 wins in the regular season as a driver.
Said has enjoyed his tenure in Houston, despite the fact that it had to adapt to new trends in advanced analysis.
“I was talking to some of our sabermetry guys and I said, ‘Hey, I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks,’ and they said, ‘It’s up to the dog,'” Baker said with a smile. “I imagine that was a compliment.”
Owner Jim Crane predicted the team’s payroll will be close to, and possibly exceed, the “luxury tax” level. There are negotiations between Major League Baseball and the players union to define the rules that will be in effect from December 1.