The Mets will face off against two new managers in the NL East next year, both with plenty of experience. Today the Nationals announced the signing of Dusty Baker as manager of the club. Meanwhile, the Marlins yesterday announced they have hired Don Mattingly to manage, giving him a four-year contract.
The Nationals were initially reported to have hired Bud Black, but contract negotiations fell apart after Washington initially offered him just a one-year contract. Instead, they get Baker, who is two years removed from his tenure at the helm of the Cincinnati Reds. Although criticized for his in-game decisions and lineup construction, Baker won 90 games three times with the Reds, making three playoff appearances in six seasons. He also managed 14 seasons before that between the Cubs and Giants, in which his teams made the playoffs four times and won a National League pennant.
Mattingly has spent the last five seasons managing the Dodgers before he and the organization parted ways last month. Mattingly’s clubs posted winning records in every season, and made three straight playoff appearances.
The Marlins have had a whopping seven managers since 2010, including Dan Jennings, who stepped down as GM to manage the team earlier this season, but want Mattingly to be there long-term. In his press conference, he said “I plan on being here at least 10 {years}.”
While the Marlins most likely won’t make a run at the division next year, a new face at the helm for the Nationals could make repeating as NL East champions a little bit tougher for the Mets.
