Craig Counsell To Meet With Mets Next

Updated Post – Oct. 30, 16:19

Craig Counsell’s next interview is with the Mets, according to the Athletic. The date, however, hasn’t been set yet according to Andy Martino of SNY.

Counsell has been the Mets’ top target to replace Buck Showalter after he stepped down after the 2023 season. Counsell was the manager of the Brewers when Stearns was hired by the organization and the two built a strong relationship. 

Due to his personality and resume in Milwaukee, other teams have shown interest in Counsell. He initially met with the Guardians on Monday about their open managerial position. 

Despite the competition, the New York Post reported that the Mets have several advantages to signing Counsell. For starters, Counsell wants to raise the bar for managers’ salaries across the league. The easiest way to achieve this goal would be to go to the richest owner in Major League Baseball.

Two, and previously stated, Counsell and Stearns built a great relationship during their time in Milwaukee. The two of them combined for five postseason appearances in eight seasons, including a trip to Game 7 of the National League Championship Series in 2018. 

The third reason wasn’t baseball-related but could be the deciding factor if Counsell signs in New York. The Post reported that Counsell and his wife “very much like” New York.

Still, with all these advantages, the Mets will have to wait on Counsell. While the Athletic reported Counsell’s next interview is with the Mets, Andy Martino of SNY reported that the Mets haven’t scheduled their interview yet. 

Original Post – Oct. 30, 12:28

Craig Counsell is meeting with the Guardians on Monday, according to The Athletic’s Zack Meisel and Will Sammon.

As the World Series between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks continues with Game 3 tonight, there are teams around the league still searching for a new manager. One of them is the New York Mets, who recently parted ways with Buck Showalter after two seasons. Last year was a disappointing year for the Mets and Showalter as they underperformed to expectations and finished in 4th place. The Mets officially brought in executive David Stearns from the Milwaukee Brewers as their president of baseball operations. Steve Cohen will let Stearns pick his manager, and the guy who looks to be at the top of the list is Counsell.

Reports have linked the Mets and Counsell together, and Counsell managed the Brewers during Stearns’ tenure in Milwaukee. Last week, it was reported by SNY’s Andy Martino that the Mets and Counsell would meet for an interview. However, Martino noted that it would not prevent the Mets and Counsell from looking elsewhere. So far, there haven’t been any scheduled interviews for the Mets since, but Counsell already has another suitor in the Cleveland Guardians. A job that Terry Francona once held. Francona retired at the end of the 2023 season. 

Counsell compiled a record of 707-625 in nine seasons with the Brewers and made the playoffs on five occasions. Counsell’s Brewers made it as far as the NLCS in 2018 before losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7. In 2023, the Brewers won the National League Central but were bounced out of the Wild-Card Series by the Diamondbacks. Counsell is the most coveted name on this year’s manager market, and his contract with the Brewers officially expires on October 31. The Mets want Counsell as their manager, and he’s their first choice, but they will have competition for his services.