The Philadelphia Phillies have been granted permission to interview Dusty Baker for their managerial opening, according to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune:

Baker was named as a special advisor to the San Francisco Giants last May, and is regarded by some as a potential candidate to replace Bruce Bochy in San Francisco. He managed the Giants from 1993 to 2002, leading the team to the World Series in his final year in the Bay Area.

The former outfielder has managed four different clubs, but Baker has not manned the bench since he was fired by the Washington Nationals after the 2017 season.

Baker is one of the most successful managers in recent history, accumulating an 840-715 record over 22 seasons. He has a track record of success in terms of molding onetime losers into contenders. Baker led the Chicago Cubs to within a game of the World Series in 2003, and in just three short years he helped the Cincinnati Reds win the National League Central in 2010.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, is coming off a disappointing 81-81 season after being a preseason favorite to win the NL East. Owner John Middleton fired manager Gabe Kapler on Thursday, and now the search for a replacement has begun in earnest.

The two sides could be a perfect match. Middleton is one of the most fiery owners in baseball, while Baker has a polarizing style that has made him an enigma as far as managers are concerned.

Baker has been on record saying that he would like to manage again, and the Phillies have one of the most talented rosters in baseball.