Controversial former Cubs manager is back in the spotlight in the 2026 WBC

Dusty Baker has a checkered history with the Chicago Cubs. Baker's arrival as manager of the Cubs in 2003 certainly had fanfare, considering he was coming off winning the National League pennant as the San Francisco Giants manager. His tenure started on a high note, with the Cubs nearly reaching the World Series (we know what happened), but it was also the only time that the Cubs reached the playoffs under Baker's watch.

The beginning of the end for Baker may have been the end of the 2004 season. Despite the team winning more games that season than they did in 2003, they missed the playoffs, and the final week of the regular season was defined by Baker being at odds with Steve Stone and Chip Caray in the broadcast booth, and Sammy Sosa carving out his exit from the organization.

The Cubs faded into obscurity during Baker's final two years with the team, and he was replaced by Lou Piniella ahead of the 2007 season.

After an extended stop with the Cincinnati Reds and two-year run with the Washington Nationals, Baker finished up his managerial career with the Houston Astros. Baker was hired to be the Astros' manager in 2020, and despite never quite having long-term stability in the position, he stuck around for four seasons. In 2022, Baker finally won the World Series title that eluded him at his other stops.

Baker retired after the 2023 season, but this spring, he's making a return to the dugout. Baker will be managing Nicaragua's national team during the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Dusty Baker returns to the spotlight during the World Baseball Classic, but an embrace by the Cubs still feels awkward.

Even after this time in Chicago, things have always seemed odd between Baker and the Cubs. Ironically, Baker was critical of Theo Epstein asking for patience when he took hold of the organization during the 2010s, and Epstein ultimately got the last laugh, considering the Cubs won the World Series in 2016. The very thing Baker failed to do in Chicago.

Baker has since been spotted at Wrigley Field, but he hasn't exactly operated in any capacity with the Cubs. Perhaps that will change in the near future. Joe Maddon, the manager of the 2016 team, had been on uneasy terms with the Cubs but was in attendance at the team's latest convention. Ditto for David Ross.

Never say never, but for now, Baker's best days are remembered from when he wasn't with the Cubs.