Craig Counsell Has Changed The Game For Managers

Before the 2023 season, Craig Counsell opted not to sign a contract extension and became a lame-duck manager last season for the Brewers. He later put contract talks on hold until after the season was done. After the season concluded, Counsell wanted to reset the market for manager salaries. He then tested free agency and interviewed with the Mets and Guardians while also receiving a new contract from Milwaukee. After still being unsigned, the Cubs shockingly pounced and signed Counsell to a five-year $40 million contract effectively resetting the market. Craig Counsell has inspired a new way for MLB managers to negotiate with their respective teams.

Counsell’s Values As A Player Haven’t Changed Since Retiring

During his playing days, Counsell was an active member of the players union. During that time, he looked out for the needs of his teammates and other players. Evidently, that idea hasn’t changed. The only difference he now apparently looks out for the best interests of the 29 other managers in Major League Baseball. This offseason, Counsell was motivated to reset the market, particularly for small market managers.

MLB Managers Are Notoriously Underpaid

It’s no secret that MLB managers are grossly underpaid. While player salaries and league revenue have gone up, manager salaries have largely remained the same or decreased. The highest-paid manager last season was Cleveland Guardians skipper Terry Francona at $4.5 million prior to retirement. Despite all that he accomplished in Milwaukee, Craig Counsell was paid a cool $3.5 million. Prior to this offseason, successful managers would just stay with their respective teams and not even think about talking to other teams. A manager really only becomes a free agent when they either get fired or resign. The 2014 offseason was a rare exception when Joe Maddon opted out of his contract and became a free agent. Craig Counsell has now completely changed the game for every manager in the league.  

Counsell Navigated The Landscape Perfectly

This past season, Craig Counsell chose to be a lame-duck manager. He led the Brewers to their fifth playoff appearance in six seasons and won his third NL Central title with Milwaukee. During the second half of the year, he even put his contract negotiations on hold until after the season ended. After the season ended, instead of just signing his extension, Counsell interviewed with the Mets and Guardians for their managerial vacancies truly testing free agency. Eventually, after going unsigned, the Chicago Cubs surprisingly swooped in and inked him to a five-year $40 million contract to be their manager. Craig Counsell navigated the landscape perfectly.

Craig Counsell Has Changed The Game For MLB Managers

The way business is conducted with MLB managers is going to change thanks to Craig Counsell. MLB managers will not only make more money, but they will also change the way they think about their futures. A manager may now opt to do exactly what Craig Counsell did to get more money either from their current team or another one. This will force all 30 front offices to treat managers as if they were the players. Just like the players, a manager can easily go to another team as well. There might now be a true free agency for managers because of Counsell. Craig Counsell’s actions have now given managers everywhere more of a voice and a new way to negotiate contracts with their clubs.

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