HOUSTON — The Houston Astros have picked up the option for the 2021 season on manager Dusty Baker’s contract.
Baker was hired in January to replace AJ Hinch who was fired after he and general manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended for one year for their roles in Houston’s sign-stealing scandal. Luhnow was also fired.
The 71-year-old Baker is in his 23rd year as a manager after starting in 1993 with the San Francisco Giants. A three-time National League Manager of the Year, Baker came to the Astros after managing the Washington Nationals, who let him go after a 97-65 season in 2017. He managed the Cubs from 2003 to 2006.
Baker’s 1,865 career wins are first among active managers and rank 15th in major league history.
“Dusty has been a perfect fit for our ball club,” general manager James Click said. “His knowledge of the game and experience have been invaluable to us in his first few months with the club. We’re excited to see him in an Astros uniform again next year.”
The Astros also picked up the contract options for next season for third base coach Gary Pettis and pitching coach Brent Strom, who were both retained after Hinch’s dismissal.
