Baker confirms he'll return to Astros in 2023

Dusty Baker confirmed Tuesday that he will return to manage the Houston Astros for the 2023 campaign.

"I'll be back, but we're working on it. It's as simple as that," Baker said, according to Fox 26's Mark Berman.

Baker just guided the Astros to their second World Series championship in franchise history. It was his first as a skipper after 2,093 regular-season victories without one.

The 73-year-old is excited about the prospect of trying to defend the title.

"I always said if I win one, I want two," Baker said, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. "I like to keep my word. This is as much fun as I've ever had."

Baker took over as manager in 2020 after the Astros fired A.J. Hinch in the aftermath of the club's sign-stealing scandal. He has led the franchise to three straight American League Championship Series and two pennants while posting a 230-154 regular-season record.

With Baker's status seemingly resolved, the focus will shift to the future of general manager James Click. The 44-year-old is without a contract for next season.