Nov 6, 2023 By Associated Press 4 min read

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs hired manager Craig Counsell away from Milwaukee on Monday, landing the former big leaguer with a record-breaking contract and firing David Ross in a tandem of surprising moves.

The 53-year-old Counsell became the majors’ highest paid manager with a five-year contract worth more than $40 million, according to a person with knowledge of the deal who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because terms weren’t announced.

Ross, 46, went 262-284 in four seasons with Chicago, winning the NL Central in 2020 in his first year. He also was a beloved backup catcher for the Cubs when they won the 2016 World Series in a historic moment for the franchise.

Chicago was in position for an NL wild card this year before stumbling in September. It went 83-79 after finishing under .500 in the previous two seasons.

“On behalf of the Cubs organization, we express our deep gratitude for David’s contributions to our club, both on and off the field,” President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer said in a statement. “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 change at manager was reminiscent of 2014, when Chicago fired Rick Renteria after one season and hired Joe Maddon. Hoyer was the general manager at the time.

The Cubs then made four consecutive playoff appearances under Maddon, losing in the NL Championship Series twice and winning the 2016 title.

The addition of Counsell, who grew up in Milwaukee before becoming the Brewers’ winningest manager, likely means the Cubs plan to be active in free agency. They are hoping to bring back Cody Bellinger for the middle of their lineup, and they also could seek rotation help.

Counsell led the budget-conscious Brewers to five playoff appearances in six years, including three NL Central titles. His contract expired at the end of the season, making him one of the biggest managerial free agents in recent years.

Guardians go with Vogt:

The Cleveland Guardians replaced the winningest manager in club history with one who has never filled out a lineup card.

After an extensive search that began with over 45 candidates, Cleveland chose Stephen Vogt, a journeyman catcher with no managerial experience, to take over for Terry Francona, the team’s beloved manager for 11 seasons who recently stepped down.

Vogt, who only retired as a player in 2022 before spending a season as Seattle’s bullpen coach, is getting a three-year contract.

Although the 39-year-old Vogt has never led a club, he’s long aspired to be a manager. He checked every box for the Guardians, who were not only charmed by Vogt’s outgoing personality but impressed by his varied baseball background.

The Guardians spoke to numerous qualified candidates, including Craig Counselly. And while Cleveland didn’t land the biggest free agent manager on the market, they believe Vogt will be a perfect fit.

Mets hiring Mendoza:

David Stearns said the New York Mets would “cast a wide net” when searching for their next manager.

He found what he was looking for a subway ride away.

New York Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza is being hired as manager of the Mets, according to a person familiar with the decision. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the move had not been announced.

Mendoza spent the past four seasons across town as Aaron Boone’s top lieutenant with the Yankees. He replaces manager Buck Showalter, fired by the Mets at the end of last season after holding the job for two years.

It’s the first high-profile hire by Stearns, who took over as Mets president of baseball operations last month.