Will the Astros Retain Dusty Baker if They Fail to Overcome Their Texas Rivals in Pursuit of World Series Glory?

The battle of the Wild West continues. For the seventh straight year, the Houston Astros have advanced to the American League Championship Series. It’s a defining era in the history of the reigning World Series champions. They have proven that the team will do anything to defend their crown. It also helps to have a trusty manager leading them, but how far is the Astros’ success rate tied to Dusty Baker’s return?

Unfortunately for H-Town, the Texas Rangers have much more to lose in the ALCS. They will put everything on the line for the upcoming match-up. The last Astros vs. Rangers game didn’t go too well for the Lone Star state at their own ballpark. This time, Game 1 of the Championship Series will be at Minute Maid Park. How will Houston’s winning or losing affect their skipper?

What Does a World Series Loss Spell for Dusty Baker?

Houston Astros owner Jim Crane is not fond of stagnation. Never afraid of bringing change to his team, will he let Dusty Baker go if the Astros fail to win the Fall Classic? To the manager’s credit, the club has made it to the ALCS each year he has been here. Originally hired in 2020 after the firing of James Click following the cheating scandal fiasco, Baker has turned things around. The team even won the 2022 World Series under him, this time with no nasty rumors attached.

Earlier this year, the Astros had as usual been on a great run, but that didn’t mean they didn’t run into trouble from time to time. The last stretch of the regular season was particularly hard. For too many points in September, it seemed like an excellent possibility that Houston would not be playing in October. Until the last few games, they hadn’t clinched a playoff berth with finality.

Many wondered what would happen to Baker following a failure to make it to the postseason. He signed a one-year extension with the team last year, and there’s no guarantee of a 2024 return. There’s no surety Crane would not want to make a fresh start with a new manager on the board if the Astros fail to clinch the World Series. Especially after all that they have been through in 2023.

But First, Will the Rangers Let the Houston Astros Pass?

The Texas Rangers have never won a Fall Classic in franchise history. Houston, on the other hand, has won two after multiple appearances. Both took place in recent history, while the Rangers’ only record is a losing one from 2010 to 11. On one hand, it’s easy to see why the Bayou City may be looking to defend its crown.

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But on the other, the Lone Star State has more at stake and might be desperate for a win. It has been a rollercoaster of a season for Texas, who has the same 90-72 record as Houston. But since the Astros dominated the Rangers from March to September, they are the AL West winners.

Will the Rangers reverse fate now? It’s no time for Southern hospitality and each team knows it. Everyone will be out for blood.

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