Brewers: Sorting Through 3 Facts And 3 Rumors Regarding Craig Counsell

One hot topic this offseason will be the contract of current Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell. The Wisconsin native is the longest tenured manager in the National League as he took over in 2015, but he has been reluctant to sign a new deal for 2024 and beyond. This has caused speculation across the league as to what his true intentions are.

Here we will take a look at some of the known facts regarding Craig Counsell's contract. We also will evaluate some of the factors influencing his decision as well as some rumors that have been mentioned.

1. FACT #1: Craig Counsell remains under contract with the Brewers until the end of October.

According to The New York Post Craig Counsell's contract does not expire until October 31. Until then he's an employee of the Milwaukee Brewers and any teams desiring to interview him before then will have to ask and be granted permission, which won't happen.

2. FACT #2: Craig Counsell was in the upper echelon of managerial salaries during the 2023 season.

Craig Counsell earned $3.5 MM during the 2023 season. He was one of seven MLB managers with a base salary greater than $3.00MM. Bob Melvin is currently in line to be the highest paid manager in 2024 at $4.00MM.

3. FACT #3: Family time is one important factor for Craig Counsell as he decides to continue managing baseball or not.

Craig Counsell and his wife Michell have four kids. Their two boys are both playing college baseball, Brady at Minnesota and Jack at Michigan. Their daughters, Finley and Rowan, are active in high school sports.

4. RUMOR #1: Craig Counsell wants to reunite with David Stearns In New York

Yes, David Stearns is the new president of baseball operations of the Mets. Yes, they do need a new manager after Buck Showalter was let go. Yes, GM Billy Eppler stepped down, which gives David Stearns more power in making decisions. Despite this nobody has publicly announced that Craig Counsell and David Stearns want to team up in New York.

5. RUMOR #2: Craig Counsell wants to help managers earn more money

A post in USA Today revealed a source saying that it is important to Craig Counsell to buck the trend of underpaid managers. Numbers between the $5-6MM range were mentioned. Craig Counsell has not provided a statement on this rumor.

6. RUMOR #3: Craig Counsell will take multiple years off from managing baseball.

Branching off wanting to spend more time with family is the idea that Craig Counsell will take multiple years off. Based on his kids ages and current involvements in collegiate and high school sports this is possible, but is simply a rumor at this point in time.

To wrap all of this up it is also not known when Craig Counsell will make a decision on whether to manager in 2024 or not. Brewers GM Matt Arnold has indicated on numerous occasions that if he does want to return and wants to remain in Milwaukee then a new deal will get done. If he wants to go somewhere else there will be plenty of suitors out there.