The celebratory parade for the franchise’s 2022 World Series win had barely ended when the Houston Astros secured some key pieces in an effort to make a run at a repeat in 2023.
James Click, Dusty Baker reportedly returning for Houston Astros in 2023
In the dugout, 73-year-old Dusty Baker reportedly will be back to manage the Astros. In his 12th postseason attempt as a manager to capture a World Series ring, Baker navigated Houston to the title while enduring just two postseason losses.
Dusty Baker confirms he'll return to manage the Astros in 2023, though the contract isn't finalized: "I always said if I win one, I want two. I like to keep my word. This is as much fun as I've had ever."
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) November 8, 2022
Earlier in 2022, Baker became the just the 12th AL/NL manager to capture 2,000 wins in his career, adding to his Hall of Fame resume. The World Series win was the only piece that seemed to be missing from that, but Baker and the Astros dispatched the Philadelphia Phillies in six games to earn the franchise’s second World Series title in the last six seasons.
While many thought Baker would return next season, Click’s return was far less clear. Owner Jim Crane had been rumored to question Click’s reliance on analytics, making a split a real possibility. However, Crane has reportedly settled on bringing Click back as well in an effort for the Astros to have a chance at a repeat in 2023.
Houston #Astros owner Jim Crane spoke with manager Dusty Baker and GM James Click on Monday and plans to formally extend each of them a contract for the 2023 season in quest for back-to-back World Series titles.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 8, 2022
Certainly there are plenty of other questions the Astros will need to answer this offseason, including if veterans Justin Verlander and Yuli Gurriel, two faces of Houston’s Word Series runs, will return. However, ensuring the return of Click and Baker is a strong start to what the Astros will hope to be another return to the Fall Classic in 2023.