This offseason, managers have taken the spotlight over players. As the last two months saw several MLB firings, multiple teams are looking to recruit new officials this winter. Generally, the trend says players make or break records, but this year, the Milwaukee Brewers’ ex-manager has taken the cake. While Carlos Mendoza and Craig Counsell topped speculations, no one expected Counsell to sign with the Chicago Cubs. On the other hand, Carlos Mendoza also touched a different milestone.

The former New York Yankees‘ bench coach has registered his name on an elite list. Joining elite names like Buck Showalter, Joe Torre, and Yogi Berra, Mendoza becomes a name to have dealt with both New York teams. After serving the Bronx for over 5 years, he signed a historic deal with their Queens counterpart, the New York Mets. On this historic deal, Rob Thomson candidly shared his views.

Rob Thomson’s Frank Opinions on Craig Counsell and Carlos Mendoza

This season, the Philadelphia Phillies surpassed October expectations, although they were unable to maintain the victory streak in the NLCS. But Rob Thomson has played his role as a manager well. On November 8, the Phillies skipper appeared for an interview session discussing his opinion on Counsell and Mendoza’s iconic contracts.

About the new Cubs manager, Thomson stated his views, “Well, first of all, I am happy for Craig. I think he, he was in kind of the perfect spot. You know, there were a lot of suitors, he has a lot of leverage. I’m not sure if that’s gonna be the same for everybody else.”

Next, he talked about his contract with the Phillies. The skipper was overwhelmed and expressed satisfaction with what he had achieved, “I never thought I’d make the money I am making now. So, I’m still really happy about that.” Thomson believes he is getting an appropriate payment and is treated fairly in Philadelphia. His only wish expressed was, “I stay that way. I wouldn’t wanna be, ever get bitter.”

Moving on to the topic of long-time friend Carlos Mendoza, Thomson seemed happy. After talking about the rumors surrounding his Mets’ association, he mentioned, ?”Carlos Mendoza is a good man, he’s a really solid baseball guy, he understands the old school if you will, he’s got good balance with analytics. He’s good with people. I think he’s gonna be a star. If you’re a Mets fan, I wouldn’t worry too much about it.”

While Mets fans look forward to Mendoza’s reign, the rest of the league is still surprised by Counsell’s record-breaking deal.

Did Craig Counsell Sign the Highest MLB Managerial Contract?

Years after his retirement as a player, Craig Counsell has set a new record. After serving the Milwaukee Brewers for over eight years, the 53-year-old manager joined the Chicago Cubs. The fact that he left the Brew Crew was already shocking but even more surprising was the contract value. Counsell signed a $40 million contract for five years, something no manager has ever achieved in MLB.

Read More: Craig Counsell To Bob Melvin: Top Candidates Who May Replace Buck Showalter As New York Mets Manager

Counsell didn’t give any other team, especially the Mets, to match the contract. So, the team went for the previous Yankees bench coach Mendoza. He signed a $4.5 million contract for three years, along with a fourth-year option.

The players’ bid hasn’t even started yet and already 2024 looks exciting!

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