Former Reds skipper Dusty Baker contacted the Washington Nationals front office recently to inform the club he is interested in taking over as manager next season, reports Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post.
Nationals rumors: Dusty Baker interested in open manager job
Baker has reached out to the Nats front office about stepping into Davey Johnson’s shoes next season.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport
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Baker, who was unexpectedly fired by Cincinnati late last week after a 90-win season, reached out to Nats GM Mike Rizzo through his agent. It’s unclear whether Washington has any interest in the experienced skipper -- no interview has been scheduled as of yet -- but Baker doesn’t seem too worried about it right now:
“It’s early,” Baker said in a phone conversation. “A lot of stuff doesn’t really happen until the World Series is over. Right now, I’m in no hurry. I just let them know that I was interested.”
The 64-year-old would definitely be the most accomplished candidate if he's considered for the gig, but the Nationals still have plenty of viable options to choose from if they decide to pass on Baker. Bench coach Randy Knorr appears to be the clubhouse favorite, but other big names like Cal Ripken Jr. and Matt Williams have also emerged.
Joe Girardi's name has also been floated around, but he's now off the table after signing a four-year extension with the Yankees Wednesday morning.
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