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Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer confirmed the
moves in an announcement Monday afternoon, hours after reports
pointed to Chicago as the "mystery team" involved in the
competitive pursuit of the managerial free agent Counsell.
"Today we made the difficult decision to dismiss David Ross as
our Major League Manager. On behalf of the Cubs organization, we
express our deep gratitude for David's contributions to our
club, both on and off the field," Hoyer said in a statement.
"First as a player and then as a manager, David continually
showcased his ability to lead. David's legacy will be felt in
Chicago for generations and his impact to our organization will
stack up with the legends that came before him."
"Going forward, our Major League team will be managed by Craig
Counsell. We look forward to welcoming Craig at Wrigley Field
early next week."
The Athletic reported that Counsell is signing a five-year deal
with the Cubs that is worth more than $40 million, which would
make him the highest-paid skipper in the majors.
Counsell, whose contract with Milwaukee expired Oct. 31, had
been linked to managerial openings with the New York Mets and
Cleveland Guardians.
Counsell, 53, went 707-625 in nine seasons with the Cubs'
National League Central neighbors. The Brewers won three
division titles in Counsell's tenure and made a run to the NLCS
in 2018, where they fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven
games.
Milwaukee went 92-70 in 2023 and won the division before being
swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the wild-card round.
Ross, 46, is out after four seasons managing the Cubs. He posted
a 262-284 record in those seasons. The Cubs made a second-half
charge to finish last season 83-79, but the franchise has not
made the playoffs since the truncated 2020 season that featured
an expanded playoff field.
The Mets, who parted with Buck Showalter at the end of the
regular season, hired New York Yankees bench coach Carlos
Mendoza for its managerial job Monday with Counsell choosing the
Cubs. Stephen Vogt was named the new manager of the Guardians,
replacing the retiring Terry Francona.
--Field Level Media
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