Counsell had been a sought-after candidate, with interest from the New York Mets, Cleveland, and Houston.
Counsell will earn $8 million a year over five years with the Cubs, matching the biggest contract ever for a manager.
Craig Counsell has been hired as the new manager for the Chicago Cubs, replacing David Ross.
In a surprising move, the Chicago Cubs have hired Craig Counsell as their new manager, replacing David Ross. Counsell, a Milwaukee native, previously managed the Milwaukee Brewers and will earn $8 million a year over five years with the Cubs. This matches the biggest contract ever for a manager, a mark set by Joe Torre with the 2007 Yankees.
Counsell had been a sought-after candidate, with interest from the New York Mets, Cleveland, and Houston. However, he chose to go to Chicago, a decision that has sparked speculation. Some believe that a motivation for his decision was a desire to stay near his family in Whitefish Bay.
Counsell's contract with Milwaukee expired at the end of October, and while the Brewers hoped to re-sign him, they allowed him to explore other opportunities. His record with the Brewers is 707-625, giving him the club record for wins and games managed.
The Cubs have been investing in their team, signing free agent players and extending contracts. They contended last season but fell short of the wild card spot. Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer thanked Ross for his leadership and acknowledged his lasting impact on the organization, citing his integral role in the 2016 World Series victory.
Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer thanked Ross for his leadership and acknowledged his lasting impact on the organization, citing his integral role in the 2016 World Series victory.
The Brewers had made an offer to Counsell that would have made him the highest-paid manager in baseball, but he chose to go to Chicago for a reported $8 million.
Some speculate that a motivation for his decision was a desire to stay near his family in Whitefish Bay.
This matches the biggest contract ever for a manager, a mark set by Joe Torre with the 2007 Yankees.
Counsell had been a sought-after candidate, with interest from the New York Mets, Cleveland, and Houston.
The Cubs have been investing in their team, signing free agent players and extending contracts, and contended last season but fell short of the wild card spot.
The move was confirmed by two anonymous sources to The Associated Press.
Counsell's contract with Milwaukee expired at the end of October, and while the Brewers hoped to re-sign him, they allowed him to explore other opportunities.
His record with the Brewers is 707-625, giving him the club record for wins and games managed.