Former Houston Astros Manager Finds New Home with Giants

Dusty Baker is heading back to where his managerial career began in a new role with San Francisco.

Dusty Baker won’t be managing in 2024, but he will be involved in baseball.

On Monday night USA Today reported that Baker, the former Houston Astros manager, agreed to become a special assistant with the San Francisco Giants, the player where he started his managerial career.

In his new role, Baker will assist president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and team president Larry Baer. That will allow Baker to help on the baseball and the business sides of the operation.

Baker’s discussions with the Giants began last month. He joins three former Giants players as special assistants — Willie Mays, Barry Bonds and Will Clark.

Baker retired after the Astros lost to the Texas Rangers in the American League Championship Series in October, wrapping up a four-year stint leading the franchise.

During his tenure the Astros won three straight AL West titles, reached the ALCS all four seasons and reached the World Series twice, which included a World Series title in 2022.

Baker finished with a 320-226 record with the Astros.

Baker’s managerial career started with the Giants in 1993 and spent a decade leading the Giants to two NL West titles, three playoff berths and the 2002 World Series, where the Giants lost to the Los Angeles Angels.

Baker finished with an 840-715 record with the Giants.

After leaving the Giants, he went immediately to the same job with the Chicago Cubs and led them from 2003-06. Following that, he managed the Cincinnati Reds (2008-13) and the Washington Nationals (2016-17) before taking over in Houston.

He is one of a handful of managers with more than 2,000 career wins. He finished his career as 2,183-1,862. He’s also one of a few managers that have World Series rings as players and managers.