Nationals, Dusty Baker in talks after Bud Black deal hits snag

The Washington Nationals, in a stunning reversal, have offered Dusty Baker a two-year contract to become their next manager, ending negotiations withBud Black, a person directly involved in the talks told USA TODAY Sports.

The person talked only on the condition of anonymity since the talks are ongoing.

Baker, who interviewed twice for the Nationals opening, was informed last week that he did not get the job. The job was offered to Black on Wednesday by Nationals GM Mike Rizzo, which he accepted, and negotiations began on Thursday. They never came close to reaching a deal.

The Nationals, according to a person with knowledge of the talks, originally offered Black a one-year deal for $1.6 million, and refused to guarantee more than two years. Black informed the Nationals’ ownership several days ago that he couldn’t accept a deal, which is considerably lower than he anticipated.