Highest payday in MLB history…Cubs sign manager Counsell to 5-year, $40 million deal
The Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB) are gearing up for the 2024 season with a new manager. The main character is manager Craig Counsell.
But there’s something that stands out more than the man himself. It’s the contract. That’s because the Cubs have prepared one of the best deals in major league history for Counsell.
The Cubs announced on Sunday that they have agreed to a five-year, $40 million contract with Counsell, following the firing of manager David Ross. At an average of $8 million per year, it is the largest managerial contract in major league history.
In a statement, the Cubs said, “We have made the difficult decision to part ways with Mr. Ross after his longstanding contributions to the organization as a player and leader. “We are grateful to Ross for his many years of service to the organization as a player and leader, and we look forward to welcoming Counsell to Wrigley Field next week for a formal press conference.”
Counsell, who has managed the National League Central Division Milwaukee Brewers since 2015, compiled a 707-625 (.531) record in nine years prior to this season. During that time, Milwaukee reached the postseason five times and won three district titles. The team has been consistently good since 2021, with three straight years of winning percentages over .500.
This year, the Brewers finished the regular season in first place with a 92-70 (.658) record, but fell short in the Division Series to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Wild Card Series. Counsell, whose contract with Milwaukee has since expired, recently interviewed for managerial positions with the New York Mets and Cleveland Cavaliers, and will continue his managerial career with the Cubs.
Milwaukee’s players were not expecting Counsell to take the helm of their “division rival” Cubs.
According to MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, Milwaukee ace Corbin Burns said, “It came out of nowhere. I was shocked at first.” Pitcher Brandon Woodruff said he “wasn’t expecting Counsell to go to the Cubs.” 토토사이트
After focusing on rebuilding in 2021 and last year, the Cubs began making moves to make a splash this offseason, including the signing of infielder Dansby Swanson, who was one of the “biggest free agents” ahead of the season. It remains to be seen if Counsell and the rebuilding Cubs can accomplish that goal.
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