Reds, Dusty Baker agree to two-year extension

The Cincinnati Reds have signed manager Dusty Baker to a two-year contract extension that will keep him under team control through the 2014 season, the club has announced:

#Reds extend Dusty's contract for 2 seasons, through 2014. Press conference at 3:00 at GABP.

— Reds (@Reds) October 15, 2012

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported last week that the Reds were planning on offering Baker a short-term contract.

After winning the first two games of their National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants, the Reds dropped the final three and were eliminated from the playoffs. At that point it wasn’t clear if Baker, who’s previous contract was up at the end of the season, would return for 2013.

Not only was Baker’s contract up, but the 63-year-old had dealt with serious health problems at the end of the regular season. He was hospitalized and diagnosed with a mini-stroke.

Baker has managed the Reds for the past five seasons, leading the team to two NL Central titles. However, Cincinnati has failed to advance past the NLCS under Baker’s watch.