Who Is the Highest-Paid MLB Manager? How Much Will Craig Counsell Be Earning as Chicago Cubs Skipper?

It’s not often in MLB that behind-the-scenes heroes take the spotlight. While ballplayers step on the diamond each day, managers and mentors steer the teams through thick and thin, shaping them for each season. Every offseason fans get to hear about the record-breaking deals athletes sign. But how much do MLB team managers earn for the hard work they put in? Craig Counsell, one of the most sought-after names in the game, is about to redefine those terms.

Notably, Joe Torre is the one famous name typically associated with lucrative managerial deals. But after his tenure, salary rates for MLB managers dropped drastically, almost by 50%, according to some reports. Considered a rather disgraceful turn of events, the Milwaukee Brewers’ manager’s move may put things in perspective. 

Years after retirement, Craig Counsell sets new contract record

Craig Counsell, the former manager of the Brewers, left Milwaukee shocked by signing with a team that didn’t even have an opening. An MLB insider recently took to X, formerly Twitter, to report that the Chicago Cubs will sign a $40 million deal with Counsell. The 53-year-old skipper just became the highest-paid manager in MLB history, leaving Milwaukee’s front office officials, players, and fans stunned. “Are you messing with me?” the Brewers owner, Mark Attanasio, told MLB.com.

Counsell had successfully managed the Brewers for nine seasons with the most number of wins any manager had, with 707 victories and a .531 winning percentage. However, things have taken a drastic turn and Counsell will now work against the Brewers for the Chicago Cubs, taking the place of David Ross. Ross formerly managed the Cubs and will now work in a different capacity in the front office. 

Craig Counsell’s eye-popping contract comes at an opportune time, when manager’s lowly salaries are becoming topics of heated discussions. Does it signal a fundamental change in the league? Or at least inspire conversation for change?

Cubs could prove to be a game-changer in MLB managerial salaries

Ask anyone in the front office and they’ll tell you that representatives of the team, the managers, are grossly underpaid. Dave Roberts, the Los Angeles Dodgers manager, earned $3.25 million in 2023. On the other hand, Brian Snitker, who helped Atlanta win their first World Series in 2021, was earning just $1.2 million. According to USA Today, 15 MLB managers earn $1.75 million or less.

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

Managers and coaches at the college level, on the other hand, are completely in a different situation. One MLB skipper said, “How can the college coaches be making more than us? It’s just wrong. No wonder guys are leaving our game and going to the college ranks.” However, Jeff Passan believes, “Counsell’s deal could help change that in MLB”.

Craig Counsell, like some legendary players, has signed a record-breaking deal. Can the Chicago Cubs now change the narrative with Counsell by their side?

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