Craig Counsell's Surprising Move to the Chicago Cubs: A Game-Changing Managerial Shift

In a stunning turn of events, Craig Counsell, a familiar face in the Milwaukee Brewers organization for the past nine years, has made a surprising move to become the manager of the Chicago Cubs. This unexpected shift has left both the team and fans in awe. Join me as we delve into the implications of Counsell's departure and the ripple effects it may have on the MLB landscape.

Counsell's Departure: A Shock to the Brewers

Explore the unexpected departure of Craig Counsell from the Milwaukee Brewers and the impact it has on the team and its fans.

Craig Counsell's decision to leave the Milwaukee Brewers after nine years as their manager has sent shockwaves through the organization. Not only did Counsell lead the small-market team to the postseason five times, including three division championships, but he also had a deep connection to the Brewers, both personally and professionally.

As the son of a former employee and a former player himself, Counsell's departure has left a void in the Brewers' leadership. Players like Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff have expressed mixed feelings about his unexpected move to the Chicago Cubs.

A Surprising Choice: Cubs Secure Counsell

Discover the surprising decision of Craig Counsell to join the Chicago Cubs as their new manager and the factors that led to this unexpected move.

While rumors suggested that Craig Counsell might join the New York Mets, he ultimately chose the Chicago Cubs as his new team. The Cubs were in need of a new manager after David Ross's departure due to the team's underperformance.

What made Counsell's move even more surprising was the size of his contract. The Cubs offered him a five-year deal worth $40 million, making him one of the highest-paid managers in the MLB.

Counsell's Salary: A Game-Changer for Managers

Explore the impact of Craig Counsell's significant salary and how it could potentially reshape the market for MLB managers.

Craig Counsell's contract with the Chicago Cubs, guaranteeing him an average annual salary of $8 million, has raised eyebrows in the baseball world. While this amount is substantial, some fans were surprised that a top-level manager like Counsell would receive a relatively low salary compared to other sports figures.

His salary exceeds what Joe Torre, the former manager of the LA Dodgers, earned 15 years ago. This could potentially change the perception of managerial salaries in the MLB and lead to higher compensation for successful managers in the future.

The Growing Importance of Managers in the MLB

Discover the evolving role of managers in the MLB and how their leadership and ability to bring star players together can impact a team's success.

Gone are the days when managers were seen as mere figureheads. Recent success stories like Bruce Bochy and Dusty Baker have highlighted the importance of a manager's leadership in achieving championships.

Managers like Counsell, who can bring star players together and create a cohesive team, are becoming increasingly valuable. The Cubs' investment in Counsell reflects this belief and could potentially change the way managers are valued and compensated in the MLB.