WASHINGTON — Former Major League manager Dusty Baker says he has spoken with the Washington Nationals about their opening.

Baker, 66, has had an extensive managerial career since retiring as a player in 1986, amassing a 1,671-1,504 record (.526) over 20 seasons as a big league skipper for the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds.

He would certainly fit the experienced profile the Nationals may be seeking. Upon firing Matt Williams, Nats General Manager and President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo admitted they hadn’t emphasized that enough during their 2013 managerial search.

“Last time, we brought in managing candidates with little or no managerial experience,” Rizzo said. “I think we’ll have a greater pool of manager candidates this year.”

[Bud Black Calls Nats Job ‘Very Attractive’]

Baker most recently managed the Reds for six seasons, leading them to three postseason appearances with two division titles in that time. He was fired in 2013 after failing to advance past the National League Wild Card round. His record in Cincinnati was 509-463 (.524).

In a Thursday appearance with Chris Russo on SiriusXM’s “Mad Dog Sports Radio,” Baker was asked if he’s been in contact with either the Nationals or Miami Marlins, with both NL East clubs in search of their next manager.

“Well, contrary to popular belief, everybody asked me about the Marlins,” he said. “And I was like, ‘Man, I haven’t talked to anybody on the Marlins.’ I don’t know who put that out or who started it.”

“I’ve talked to a couple guys with the Nationals,” he said. “Nothing serious, nothing in earnest.”

Speaking with the Nationals puts Baker in a precarious position personally. He managed Williams, fired by the Nationals after failing to make the postseason at 83-79, for four seasons in San Francisco.

“And, you know, it was just so recent with Matt Williams,” Baker said. “I mean, Matty’s my boy. And I was hoping the best for him, but it looked like they were behind the eight ball when the season started. I’m hoping he lands on his feet somewhere, and he should, because he’s a heck of a guy.”

Baker also said he would like to manage again, should the right opportunity come along.

“Like, I didn’t stop managing in the first place,” he said. “I was sort of stopped. You know how things go sometimes, so you just go on with your life, you don’t worry about the past. You try to get over the hurt and the pain of being let go, because it’s a blow to your ego, especially when you’re doing the best that you thought you could do.”

Listen to the audio here.

Follow @ChrisLingebach and @1067TheFanDC on Twitter.