The Chicago Cubs officially introduced their new manager on Monday in a press conference.
Craig Counsell became the 56th manager in the franchise’s history and talked about why he decided to take the job.
The #Cubs today named Craig Counsell the 56th manager in franchise history, agreeing to terms on a five-year contract through the 2028 season.
Welcome to Chicago, Craig! pic.twitter.com/M4SA6ywLA0
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) November 13, 2023
“From a baseball standpoint, I think I saw quickly that the organization is just in great health, and Jed [Hoyer] presented a very compelling vision of that,” Counsell told the media, including NBC Sports Chicago. “It is the right time to be a Cub. There is momentum happening here, and it feels close. And that means there’s a really exciting future ahead of us. Now it’s my job to be part of taking us to the next level, and that’s the plan.”
The Cubs hired former Brewers skipper Counsell simultaneously as they let David Ross go. It was a move so shocking that even Milwaukee owner Mark Attanasio was in disbelief. He thought someone was messing with him.
It ultimately worked out for Counsell who signed a five-year, $40 million contract.
“What you have to be careful about is that what happened last year does not indicate this year. I think teams are different. I’ve used this analogy for a long time: there’s a soup made and it can be the same players, but it’s gonna taste a little different next year when grandma makes it, you know what I mean? So it’s always a little different. You have to create a new dynamic every single year, no matter what’s going on. So there’ll be players that have had wonderful years last year that not so much and then vice versa. But there’s a solid core and a solid foundation. That speaks to the health I think of the organization. And that speaks to a bright future.”
As far as the future for Ross, he reportedly received interest taking over the San Diego Padres managerial position. He also text Counsell before the news had broke to which Counsell said, “I respect the heck out of David Ross.”
Craig Counsell said David Ross texted him before the news he was hired as Cubs manager even broke pic.twitter.com/Ft8smxCbFS
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) November 13, 2023
