FILE - In this April 3, 2018, file photo, former manager Dusty Baker shows off the lining of his sport coat before the start of an opening day baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and the Seattle Mariners in San Francisco. Baker lost his job with Washington after last season, when he guided the Nationals to a second straight NL East title. It has been a blessing of sorts. Baker never forgets to remind himself of his good fortune, even during the down times in his big league baseball career spanning a half-century. Sure, he still wants to manage and go out on his own terms when the time comes. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)Eric Risberg/Associated Press

Dusty Baker Says He Has Not Been Contacted by Red Sox, Mets Amid Astros Interest

Scott PolacekJan 19, 2020

The Houston Astros are out a general manager, manager, $5 million and first- and second-round draft picks in 2020 and 2021 because of their sign-stealing scandal.

Dusty Baker still believes it would be an "honor" and a "privilege" to coach the American League West club.

Brian McTaggart of MLB.com passed along some of Baker's comments prior to interviewing with the team. Baker said the Astros "always had a good team" that figures to compete again, which is a primary reason he would like to be the next manager.

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While manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended for a year and then fired following the investigation into sign stealing, there is a reason Baker is optimistic about Houston's chances.

The Astros still have Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve, George Springer, Carlos Correa, Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke, among others, and reached two World Series and the American League Championship Series in the last three years. Houston won the 2017 Fall Classic, although the sign-stealing investigation focused largely on that season.

A number of managers have been tied to the opening.

Mark Berman of Fox 26 reported Baker, Joe Espada, Jeff Banister, Buck Showalter, Bruce Bochy, Will Venable and Raul Ibanez were all seen as candidates at one point or another.

As for Baker, he managed the San Francisco Giants (1993-2002), Chicago Cubs (2003-06), Cincinnati Reds (2008-13) and Washington Nationals (2016-17) in the past. He won three National League Manager of the Year awards with the Giants, as well as the NL pennant in 2002, and sports an 840-715 career record.

Baker has led his team to the playoffs nine times but is still missing a World Series crown.