Cubs poach Counsell to replace Ross as manager

The Chicago Cubs stunned the baseball world Monday, hiring former Milwaukee Brewers skipper Craig Counsell to replace manager David Ross.

Counsell's contract with the Cubs is for five years and over $40 million, sources told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

"Today we made the difficult decision to dismiss David Ross as our major-league manager," Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said in a statement, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale. "On behalf of the Cubs organization, we express our deep gratitude for David's contributions to our club, both on and off the field."

The Brewers made Counsell an offer to become the league's highest-paid manager with a deal ranging around $5.5 million per season, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

"Cubs fans are getting a terrific manager and an even better person," Counsell's agent, Barry Meister, told Rosenthal. "Craig has great admiration and respect for Brewers ownership, general manager, and fans, and for all of Milwaukee, where he makes his home."

Ross managed the Cubs over the last four seasons, amassing a 262-284 record.

He was under contract with the Cubs through next season with a team option for the 2025 campaign, according to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune.

Counsell also interviewed with the New York Mets and Cleveland Guardians.

The 53-year-old spent parts of nine seasons with the Brewers, leading them to the postseason five times. Counsell is Milwaukee's all-time leader in games managed (1,332) and wins (707).

Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff admitted he was caught off guard by Counsell's decision.

"I’m still processing it, too. I was not expecting the Cubs," Woodruff said, according to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy.

He added: "But then when you dig down a little bit deeper, you kind of get it."

Brewers owner Mark Attanasio was also stunned by Counsell's departure.

"We've lost Craig, but I've reflected on this - Craig has lost us and lost our community," Attanasio said, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Curt Hogg.

Chicago finished the 2023 season 83-79 and missed the postseason by one game after struggling to a 12-16 record in September.

Cubs owner Tom Ricketts supported Ross in October despite a disappointing end to the regular season, saying, "I think Rossy did a great job," per MLB.com's Jordan Bastian.

He added: "(Ross) 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."