The Chicago Cubs pulled a surprising move on Monday, firing manager David Ross and hiring Craig Counsell to replace him.
The move left the baseball world stunned, especially since Ross appeared set to return to the Cubs with team owner Tom Ricketts praising the former catcher.
The move also left many stunned considering the 53-year-old was anticipated to either return to the Milwaukee Brewers or land with the New York Mets, ESPN reported.
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According to sources of the outlet, Counsell was given a whopping $40 million five-year contract, which is reportedly the largest in MLB history according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. It was a huge jump from his previous deal where he was earning $3.5 million annually. Furthermore, no other manager has made more than $4.5 million in a year.
According to Counsell’s agent, Barry Meister of Meister Sports Management, the Cubs are getting a terrific person and manager.
“He is excited about Chicago and is happy that multiple teams have begun to embrace the enhanced valuation of the job of major-league manager!” Counsell's agent stated, via The Athletic.
Craig Counsell’s salary surpasses the previous high held by Joe Torre pegged at $7.5 million. Below is the list of other MLB managers who got lucrative deals per NBC Sports Chicago.
- Joe Torre, New York Yankees ($7.5 million)
- Terry Francona, Cleveland Guardians ($4.5 million)
- Bob Melvin, San Diego Padres ($4 million)
- Buck Showalter New York Mets ($3.75 million)
- Dave Martinez Washington Nationals ($3.5 million)
Cubs thank David Ross
For the Cubs, the decision to move on from David Ross was a tough one according to Cubs president, Jed Hoyer. He thanked the former Cubs manager and player for his contributions to the team.
“On behalf of the Cubs organization, we express our deep gratitude for David’s contributions to our club, both on and off the field... 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,” Hoyer stated.
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