After mutually parting ways with Carlos Beltran, the Mets are searching for a new manager. Here's the latest...
Jan. 19, 9:05 PM:
Dusty Baker has not heard from the Mets or Red Sox and is focused on the Astros, he said Sunday evening while updating his managerial pursuit with reporters in Houston, including Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.
"Like I said, I'm busy, I haven't heard from anybody and first come, first serve and everybody likes to feel that they're wanted," Baker said. "I talked to Mr. (Astros owner Jim) Crane and he made me feel I had a chance if I wanted it."
Baker said that he has been familiar with most of the players on the Astros roster, including SS Carlos Correa and 2B Jose Altuve.
"I've been in the weight room with Correa, Altuve," Baker said. "I've only met (Alex) Bregman a couple times, but I follow them all the time. They're an exciting team to watch. I love (former manager) A.J. Hinch and I feel badly for him, so I'm just trying to come in here and pick up the pieces."
Baker said that he has not been given a timeline by the Astros for a decision on his potential hiring.
"I don't really watch the news a whole bunch and I don't really read the papers," Baker said. "So I'm sure that he said something and I'll find out (Monday) from him and not by hearsay. So yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing him and tonight I'm going to have dinner with my first roomie and best friend in the game, Ralph Garr. And so, I'm having a good night tonight, but prepared for tomorrow."
Jan. 18, 11:00 AM:
In addition to being mentioned as a candidate for the Mets managerial job, Baker is also reportedly set to interview with the Astros on Monday, according to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi. The Astros have pegged Feb. 3 as their target to hire a new manager, at which point they will focus on hiring a new general manager.
Jan. 17, 9:30 PM:
Veteran manager Dusty Baker is reportedly in the discussion for the Mets managerial job, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
Baker, 70, has managed the San Francisco Giants (1993-2002), the Chicago Cubs (2003-2006), the Cincinnati Reds (2008-2013), and the Washington Nationals (2016-2017). He has a career record of 1863-1636 and a 23-32 postseason record.
Baker was considered a possibility to replace Mickey Callaway in May of 2019, though the Mets ended up not firing Callaway at that time.
