The Opener: Baker, World Series Media Day, Marlins Outlook

Here are three things to watch around the baseball world today…

1. Dusty to retire:

The Astros have a press conference scheduled for today where manager Dusty Baker will announce his retirement. Baker’s managerial career has seen him at the helm of five different clubs, starting with the Giants back in 1993. Most recently, he’s spent the past four years with the Astros, finally winning the elusive championship with them last year. Houston will now join the list of clubs looking for a new manager, alongside the Mets, Angels, Guardians and Padres. The Brewers may join that list if Craig Counsell ends up departing. He’s still under contract for a few more days but has been given permission to interview with the Mets while the Guardians are looking to get that permission as well.

2. World Series Media Day:

The 2023 World Series doesn’t begin until tomorrow, but there’s plenty to talk about. Today is World Series Media Day, with all the players and managers available to speak with the media ahead of the big event. Zac Gallen will take the ball in Game 1 for the Diamondbacks with Nathan Eovaldi on the bump for the Rangers. The D’Backs won it all in 2001, just their fourth season in existence, but this is their first time back since then. The Rangers have been to the Fall Classic twice before, in 2010 and 2011, but are still looking for their first title.

3. Marlins Offseason Outlook:

MLBTR’s Offseason Outlook series is almost complete, with the Marlins up next. That outlook will drop today, with the corresponding team-specific chat scheduled for 3:15 pm Central. You can click here to ask a question in advance, join the chat in progress or read the transcript after.