CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 07: Dusty Baker #12 of the Cincinnati Reds seen before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park on September 7, 2013 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The Washington Nationals have hired Dusty Baker as their new manager in a surprising turn of events.
Last week, it was widely reported that the Nationals would hire former San Diego Padres manager Bud Black as their new manager. However, CBS Sports first reported Monday night that those negotiations had hit a snag.
Baker, 66, last managed in the majors in 2013 with the Cincinnati Reds. He managed the San Francisco Giants from 1993-2002, the Chicago Cubs from 2003-06 and the Reds from 2008-13. In his 20 seasons as a big-league skipper, he has 1,671-1,504 record. He has reached one World Series and won five division titles and has been named NL Manager of the Year three times.
The Nationals were among the majors' most disappointing teams in 2015, and that ultimately cost manager Matt Williams his job. Picked by most to win the NL East and by many to win the World Series, the Nationals finished 83-79 and missed the playoffs.
However, Washington's roster remains talented, led by the likes of possible NL MVP Bryce Harper and right-hander Max Scherzer, who threw two no-hitters in 2015.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.