Ex-Giants, Cubs, Reds and Nationals boss to take over

Report: Astros to hire veteran Dusty Baker as new manager

Report: Astros to hire veteran Dusty Baker as new manager
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According to reports, the Houston Astros are hiring Dusty Baker to take over the vacant Manager's position with the club. Baker replaces A.J. Hinch, who was suspended one year by the MLB in conclusion of its sign-stealing investigation before ultimately being fired by owner Jim Crane.

Baker last managed for the Washington Nationals in 2016-17, going 192-132 in those two regular seasons, which was enough to win the NL East both times. However, he and that Nationals team were unable to make it past the divisional round in either year.

Baker has vast managerial experience, dating back to his 10-year run with the Giants starting in 1993. His overall record in his career is 1863-1636 for a .532 winning percentage. He has fared worse in the playoffs, combining for a 23-32 record in postseason play across his four teams.

He has been to the World Series one time in 2002 with the Giants where they would lose in seven games to the Angels. Baker is seen as somewhat of a controversial person in the baseball world, having received scrutiny over his years for over-using pitchers and being at the helm during some of the most notable collapses. In that 2002 World Series, the Giants took a 3-2 series lead into Game 6 and a 5-0 lead into the seventh inning of that game before allowing six unanswered runs before ultimately losing the series in Game 7.

Baker now gets the opportunity to manage a team full of talent, but with the challenge of trying to overcome the attention and ire of many in the baseball world.

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Fred VanVleet agrees to new contract with Houston. Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images.

For the Houston Rockets, it's already been an exciting offseason, with the team trading for NBA superstar Kevin Durant earlier this week. The Rockets also inked extensions with big man Steven Adams and head coach Ime Udoka in recent weeks.

Apparently the action isn't slowing down as the Rockets have reportedly agreed to a contract extension with guard Fred VanVleet.

Senior ESPN NBA analyst Sham Charania is reporting that VanVleet intends to sign a 2-year, $50 million contract with Houston.

Charania is also reporting that VanVleet has a player option for the 2026-2027 season.

In 60 games, VanVleet averaged just over 14 points and 5.6 assists per game last season.

Per NBC Sports' Kurt Helin:

This is a team-friendly deal for the Rockets that gets them below the luxury tax line, helping them avoid the repeater tax. It also opens up the full $14.1 million mid-level exception to add more talent to the roster. For VanVleet, it's more total money and an extra year of security.

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