In a shocking move, the Cubs are hiring Craig Counsell to replace David Ross as manager, the team announced Monday. In a record five-year deal, Counsell is set to make the most of any manager, his representation Meister Sports Management confirmed on social media. His new contract is worth $40 million, according to multiple reports.
In a statement, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer characterized Ross’ dismissal as manager as a “difficult decision.”
“On behalf of the Cubs organization, we express our deep gratitude for David’s contributions to our club, both on and off the field,” he said in a team release. “First as a player and then as a manager, David continually showcased his ability to lead. David’s legacy will be felt in Chicago for generations and his impact to our organization will stack up with the legends that came before him.
“Going forward, our Major League team will be managed by Craig Counsell. We look forward to welcoming Craig at Wrigley Field early next week.”
The move was less about Ross’ performance and more about Counsell, a highly respected and sought-after manager, coming available, sources said. There isn’t much optimism that Ross, who had one more year and a 2025 option left on his contract, would stay on in a different role.
“I don’t have fear of losing my job,” Ross told the Sun-Times in late August, when the Cubs were still a playoff contender. “That’s for other people to judge. I have confidence that I am a good manager and I will continue to get better.”
The Cubs did not contact the Brewers to get permission to talk to Counsell before his contract expired at the end of October, a source confirmed, so the hire came together quickly. Counsell is expected to carry considerable weight in shaping his coaching staff in Chicago.
In Counsell’s nine seasons managing the Brewers, they won three National League Central titles and went to the playoffs in five of the last six years. The Brewers went 707-625 (a .531 winning percentage) during Counsell’s time as manager.
This past season, the Brewers (92-70) handedly beat out the Cubs for the division title before losing two straight games to the Diamondbacks in an NL Wild Card Series.
The Cubs spoke highly of Ross after this season, despite an 83-79 finish that fell short of a playoff berth. Counsell’s Brewers delivered the decisive blow during the final series of the regular season.
“I think Rossy did a great job,” chairman Tom Ricketts said at the end of the season. “He creates a great clubhouse culture, the players love playing for him. He keeps a steady, balanced approach game in and game out, that you need over the course of 162 games.”
When asked if Ross was the man to lead the team when it’s time to make a final push toward another championship, Ricketts said: “I think Rossy had a great season, and the players play hard for him, and he’s our guy.”
This story will be updated.
