The Houston Astros were eliminated in the ALCS after losing Game 7 to the Texas Rangers in a hard-fought series, and after the game was over, it was reported that Dusty Baker has been telling people within the organization and those close to him that the 2023 season will be his final season as manager of the team.
Dusty Baker has not publicly said whether or not the 2023 season would be his last with the Astros, as he declined to comment on the matter after the loss to the Rangers. Baker had managed this season on a one-year contract, so if he wanted to come back, he would have to agree to a new deal with the Astros. It appears that Dusty Baker does not plan on returning.
With Baker seemingly on the way out, the Astros will have to fill their managerial opening this offseason. The team's core of players is still intact with Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker and others set to return in 2024. With that being said, let's get into four candidates to fill the managerial position if Baker does not return in 2024.
AJ Hinch
This is a longshot, as AJ Hinch has been a member of the Detroit Tigers organization since the 2021 season, hoping to lead their young core to being contenders as manager, just as he did with the Astros. However, the Tigers have disappointed in recent years. The expectation is to compete soon.
Of course, AJ Hinch was the manager when the Astros were under fire from the sign-stealing scandal in 2017 and was eventually let go by the team ahead of the 2020 season. However, with Alex Cora's involvement in the scandal and the Boston Red Sox bringing him back after letting him go, it could open the door for AJ Hinch returning.
While it is unlikely, Hinch has experience with many of the Astros' players. It would not be a popular move among baseball fans, but maybe the team will consider it.
Craig Counsell
After managing the Milwaukee Brewers since 2015, Craig Counsell has built up a ton of experience that any team would like to have. There is a lot of speculation about Craig Counsell going to the New York Mets due to his connection with new team president David Stearns. However, the Astros are just a better team on paper than the Mets. Maybe the Astros' front office can convince him to take over.
Craig Counsell would be an intriguing hire, and it will take a significant financial commitment. It is unknown whether or not Jim Crane would be willing to pay that much to fill that role, but Counsell would be a great get.
Joe Espada
If the Astros decide to promote bench coach Joe Espada to manager, it would be a long time coming. Joe Espada has been with the organization in that role since 2018, when he came over from the New York Yankees.
Since coming over to the Astros, Joe Espada has forged a lot of good relationships with the team's players. It would be an internal hire, so this one could happen quickly. It is unknown whether or not the Astros would prioritize looking outside the organization for their next manager, but it would be a surprise of Espada is not at least in the running for the position.
Walt Weiss
After being with the Atlanta Braves and getting a lot of valuable experience with manager Brian Snitker, Walt Weiss will be a popular name for managerial openings this offseason. It would be a surprise if Walt Weiss does not become a major league manager in the next few years, so the Astros could go that route here. It would give them a manager who could be around for a long time.
Walt Weiss make sense for a lot of reasons. Do not be surprised if he is in the running to take over for Baker.
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