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Washington Nationals: Dusty Baker’s Future As Manager Is?

By Ron Juckett

Oct 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) before the Nationals play against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) before the Nationals play against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dusty Baker, the popular Washington Nationals manager, is in the last year of his contract. Provided he wants to stay, re-signing him now is the best move.

The Washington Nationals are set up for a two-year mad dash to capture, at worst, a National League pennant.

Among the laundry list of things in the Nats way, such as injuries and the Chicago Cubs, is Dusty Baker. His contract ends whenever the 2017 season does. In this “win right now” philosophy, one of the key ingredients of the pie is not locked down for the second year.

Baker’s steady hand guided the Nationals back to the playoffs in 2016. He shed his image of overthrowing his starting pitching. A sense of calm and teamwork fell over Washington, thanks to Baker, that was missing during the Matt Williams era. If you wanted the steady hand guiding the ship, you got it with him.

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October was another story. With the NL Divisional Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers turning into bullpen slogs, and crucial injuries to Stephen Strasburg and Wilson Ramos, Baker could not get that third win to advance. Whether his reputation is deserved or not, Baker’s record in elimination games haunts him.

Aside from knowing who closes, we know most of the 2017 team likely to make the trip north for Opening Day. Although unsure of Baker’s relationship with Bryce Harper—and they may be best of professionals together—the 2017 team is largely the same as last season. A team that meshes well and plays hard.

One gets the sense from watching the Winter Meetings and reading through those proverbial tea leaves that there is a sense of true urgency heading into 2017. We know Harper hits free agency after the 2018 season. Jayson Werth’s contract runs out when 2017 ends.

Although perhaps the Nats window for success extends well past 2018, Mike Rizzo and the rest of the brain trust believes the best chance is now. In doing so, he risks his own future if things go bad.

But, where does this leave Baker? Now 67, it is not clear how long the veteran wants to manage. Doing nearly everything asked, he enters his second season in the dugout well respected and liked. Yet, there has been no talk of an extension or an interest to get one done.

Several managers are free agents after the new season ends including New York Yankees skipper Joe Girardi. One of the finest managers in the game, Girardi exudes a quiet leadership and gets the most out of his clubs. If Washington wants to think of someone to run the team over the next five years, you someone like him.

Washington has that now with Baker. In an ideal world, we see an extension announced before the season begins and the frame of the next few years remains in place. Things could go horribly wrong this year with Baker and Rizzo sent to Reagan National for the next flight home.

If Baker wants the job, then get the potential distraction taken care of. It is hard to see him here in five years and, unless Mike Maddux wants to manage, there is not an heir apparent in the dugout. His lieutenants Davey Lopes and Chris Speier are around the same age.

Next: Free Agent Target: Jason Hammel

However this is resolved, getting it out of the way now helps keep the focus on the field.

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