The Chicago Cubs shocked the baseball world by firing manager David Ross and replacing him with longtime Milwaukee Brewers skipper Craig Counsell, who will be formally introduced next week. The Cubs signed him a five-year, $40 million contract to make Counsell the highest-paid manager in MLB history.
Counsell had served as the Brewers manager since 2015 and said his move to the Cubs was about wanting a “new professional challenge.”
The Brewers now join the list of teams in search of a new manager and have been linked to several candidates so far. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Milwaukee is considering Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough for the position:
Among those Brewers considering to replace Craig Counsell, according to sources briefed on club’s thinking: Bench coaches Pat Murphy (MIL), Don Mattingly (TOR) and Joe Espada (HOU); Dodgers 1B coach Clayton McCullough; Astros hitting coach Troy Snitker; former Brewers 2B Rickie…
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 7, 2023
McCullough has been a popular candidate for managerial openings this offseason as he was considered for the Cleveland Guardians’ vacancy that went to Stephen Vogt. He previously interviewed for a managerial position with the New York Mets and Kansas City Royals in past years as well.
McCullough just completed his third season as the Dodgers first base coach and ninth overall with the organization. In 2020, he served as a Minor League field coordinator and helped oversee the Dodgers’ operations at the alternate site on the USC campus during the pandemic-shortened season.
Before joining the Dodgers organization in 2015, McCullough worked for the Toronto Blue Jays from 2006-2014, serving as manager of the GCL Blue Jays (2007), Class-A Lansing Lugnuts (2008-2009), Advanced-A Dunedin Blue Jays (2010-2011) and Class-A Vancouver Canadians (2012-2013).
Dave Roberts moves to top of list after Craig Counsell left Brewers
With Counsell leaving the Brewers for the Cubs, Dave Roberts became the longest-tenured manager in the National League. The only MLB manager with a longer tenure is Kevin Cash of the Tampa Bay Rays, who began in 2015 — one season before Roberts was hired by the Dodgers.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
