Reds And Manager Dusty Baker Agree To Two-Year Contract Extension

Financial terms aren’t known, but Ken Rosenthal reports Baker will get a raise from the $3.5 million he earned in 2010.

All other members of the Reds’ coaching staff have also been offered two-year extensions.

Financial terms aren’t available, but Baker is wrapping up a $10.5 million, three-year deal signed prior to 2008.

Straight from the horse’s mouth, we get the following on the Dusty Baker contract situation:

Baker confirms that it’s a two-year deal being finalized. General manager Walt Jocketty earlier noted that the Reds would like to announce the contract before the end of the regular season, so it seems like it’s only a matter of time.

It only makes sense, given that Baker has guided the Reds to their first playoff appearance since 1995. Even if the man weren’t well-liked in the clubhouse, it would still be a PR nightmare to let him go. And since this is Baker, who is beloved by everyone, there’s just no way the team lets him walk. He simply means and represents too much.

Baker took over a Reds team that, in 2007, finished 72-90. In his first year, they improved to 74-88. In his next year, they improved to 78-84. And this year, they’re 88-70 and preparing for October. With the Reds having come in as an underdog, Baker is a very strong candidate for NL Manager of the Year.