Dusty Baker has left the San Francisco Giants, just two weeks after his team lost the World Series to the Anaheim Angels.

Speaking on Wednesday, Giants general manager Brian Sabean said: "It has become increasingly apparent that Dusty's interest in exploring opportunities elsewhere is paramount in his mind."

Baker, whose current contract has expired, has had his differences with Giants owner Peter Magowan all year.

The 53-year-old, who has just completed his 10th season in charge, has said he has not received enough credit for the team's success and was also annoyed the Giants took so long to offer him a new contract.

A three-time NL Manager of the Year, Baker becomes the first manager in almost 30 years to leave a team straight after a World Series appearance.

Media reports have linked Baker with the vacant Chicago Cubs job, and he is free to start negotiating with other teams from Thursday.

The Seattle Mariners are also looking for a new manager but are not expected to approach Baker.