Astros Rumors: Dusty Baker to Interview for Manager Job Amid Mets Interest

Veteran MLB manager Dusty Baker will reportedly interview with the Houston Astros about their managerial vacancy Monday.

Jon Morosi of MLB.com reported the update Saturday. Baker is also a candidate for the same position with the New York Mets, per Mike Puma of the New York Post.

Both clubs are searching for new managers less than a month before spring training because of the sign-stealing scandals that have rocked the league.

The Astros fired general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch after they each received a one-year suspension following an investigation into the team's 2017 World Series-winning season, which confirmed the team used an outfield camera and loud noises to alert hitters of pitches.

New York and nine-time All-Star Carlos Beltran, who was set to become a manager for the first time in 2020, parted ways Thursday after less than four months. Beltran was the only player mentioned by name in the MLB report detailing the Astros' scheme, but he wasn't punished.

The Boston Red Sox, who are under investigation for the alleged misuse of their video-replay room in 2018, also parted ways with manager Alex Cora this week. Cora was the Astros' bench coach in 2017 before joining Boston in 2018 and could face substantial punishment.

In turn, a typically quiet period on the MLB calendar has become hectic with three clubs, all of whom have high expectations for next season, searching for new managers.

Houston and New York's interest in Baker doesn't come as a surprise. The former MLB outfielder has 22 years of managerial experience and, at minimum, could serve as a stabilizing force during periods of transition for the organizations.

The 70-year-old California native posted a 1,863-1,636 regular-season record across stints with the San Francisco Giants (1993-2002), Chicago Cubs (2003-06), Cincinnati Reds (2008-13) and Washington Nationals (2016-17).

His teams went 23-32 in nine playoff appearances with one World Series berth—2002 with the Giants, who lost to the Anaheim Angels in seven games.

Baker told Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle he'd be interested if the Astros called.

"Yeah, it's a hell of a team," he said Thursday. "But there's a few questions I'd have to ask."

Meanwhile, Puma noted Baker "wasn't seriously considered" by the Mets during their previous search that resulted in the Beltran hire, but his "calming influence" has changed that stance given the circumstances.