With MLB rosters expanding tomorrow, the Washington Nationals will call up Darren Baker, the son of baseball legend Dusty Baker, to make his MLB debut. Dusty was recently inducted into the Legends of Dodger Baseball on August 9th this season. He was recognized as a strong contributing player who helped his team earn three National League pennants and a 1981 World Series title. Following his retirement, he transitioned to a managerial role, where he won NL Manager of the Year three times with the San Francisco Giants. Baker then managed three other teams before winning the 2022 World Series with the Houston Astros. Now, his son Darren will make his big-league appearance on Sunday.
🚨 BREAKING: #Nats will call Darren Baker when rosters expand tomorrow.
— Talk Nats (@TalkNats) August 31, 2024
MLB Legend’s Son To Make Debut With Nationals
The Younger Baker
Baker Jr., who is 25, has slashed .285/.348/.340 with 38 stolen bases in 112 games with Triple-A Rochester this season. He adds value as a pinch runner with 38 out of 43 stolen base attempts. Darren can play second base as well as outfield. While Darren will be making his debut, this won’t be the first time he’s appeared in an MLB game. When his father managed the Giants in 2002, they won the World Series. Dusty brought three-year-old Darren onto the field to celebrate the Giants’ victory. Darren has consistently sported a good batting average at AAA over the past few seasons.
Darren Baker with a cannon for an arm! 😤 pic.twitter.com/1zMBY8Tx9p
— Rochester Red Wings (@RocRedWings) August 14, 2024
While he needs some fine-tuning with his power at the plate, overall, he’s been consistent with his hitting. On August 28th, he extended his hitting streak to 16 games. His streak is the longest active hitting streak in the minors. In his last 16 games, he’s recorded a .333 batting average. As well as going (22-for-66) with six doubles, five RBIs, five walks, six stolen bases, and 15 runs. Darren is a University of California graduate/alumnus who is one of many MLB players who came from playing baseball in California—for example, Marcus Semien, Cam Eden, Brandon Morrow, etc. Darren is also a solid defender; he has a good arm to throw out baserunners.
Main Photo Credits: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
