CLEVELAND — He might be the hottest name in this year's managerial market. Could he make Cleveland his new home?
According to multiple reports, the Guardians are seeking permission to interview current Milwaukee Brewers skipper Craig Counsell for their own open managerial position. The Athletic's Will Sammon was the first to report Cleveland's interest, with sources telling him the organization "could make a serious financial pitch to Counsell."
Per Sammon and others, the recently retired Terry Francona was among the highest-paid managers in baseball during his time in Cleveland, with MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman putting his salary at roughly $4.5 million a year. Counsell has guided the Brewers to 707 wins and five playoff appearances since taking over the club in 2015, but his contract is set to expire at the end of October, giving him free reign to listen to other offers.
Counsell made $3.5 million in 2023, according to Sammon, so remaining in Milwaukee is a very realistic possibility. However, the New York Mets and the deep pockets of owner Steve Cohen are also in play, especially with former Brewers President David Stearns now running the franchise's baseball operations.
Prior to becoming a manager, Craig Counsell played 16 seasons in the big leagues as an infielder. Ironically, Cleveland fans will remember him for his role in Game 7 of the infamous 1997 World Series, when he tied the game with a ninth-inning sacrifice fly before scoring the winning run in the 11th as the Florida Marlins bested the Indians 3-2.
Should Counsell not be an option, plenty of candidates remain in play for the Guardians. In particular, Heyman named four other potential new managers on Friday:
- Stephen Vogt: Former All-Star catcher and current Seattle Mariners bullpen coach
- Craig Albernaz: San Francisco Giants bullpen coach
- Carlos Mendoza: New York Yankees bench coach
- Andy Green: Former San Diego Padres manager and current Chicago Cubs bench coach
Francona, the winningest manager in Cleveland history, stepped down earlier this month following 11 seasons with the team that included six playoff trips and an American League pennant. The future Hall of Famer is expected to stay with the Guards in a different capacity.