The arrival of Craig Counsell with the Chicago Cubs will undeniably bring a breath of fresh air to the Illinois team. All things considered, he'll also bring one to Counsell himself, who seemed to have had his way around the yard in Milwaukee.
It’s truly a win-win change of scenery. The Cubs made a big move by appointing Counsell to the helm of the team, who enjoys an excellent reputation in major league baseball. Already, his impact is being felt within the club's upper management, as Counsell's opinion is extremely valued.
A change in dynamics in Chicago
With his five-year contract worth a total of $40 million, signed on November 6, the former player brings a new perspective to the Windy City. Indeed, according to the team's president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, it has been at least ten years since a person outside the organization had been hired, that is, since Joe Maddon at the late 2014. After the Maddon years, David Ross led the team from 2020 to 2023, but he was an internal candidate.
There could perhaps be some tension with the arrival of Counsell and his big contract, but that's nothing, according to Hoyer. After all, it was this same Hoyer who granted him this pact, knowing full well that he would pocket more money than himself.
The two challenge respectfully, each bringing their own point of view. They share the same common goal, which is to win baseball games and eventually a championship.
That said, the first big short-term goal is to play October baseball. Indeed, the Cubs have not participated in the playoffs since the shortened 2020 season. Each time since, they have come up against Craig Counsell's Brewers, precisely!
A man with a good reputation
There is no doubt, Chicago hit a home run by stealing Craig Counsell from the Milwaukee Brewers. He now holds the biggest contract in the Majors for a manager and it is well deserved.
Counsell has done wonders with a small market club like the Brewers. It will be interesting to see how the main person in this text will fare with a team that has the ambition of its means. Cody Bellinger's three-year, $80 million contract is proof of that. In that sense, the Cubs' payroll is more than twice as high as Milwaukee's.
It will be interesting to see how the Cubs progress this year. Yes, the impact of new players in a locker room is felt easily and quickly, but the impact of a new manager should not be underestimated and the Cubs have quite the same with Counsell.
