MLB Rumors: Craig Counsell 'Evaluating' His Options amid Mets, Guardians Interviews

Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell has reportedly "spoken" with the New York Mets and Cleveland Guardians about their managerial vacancies, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, and is now "evaluating his options, including [the] possibility of staying with the Brewers."

Morosi added that Counsell plans to manage in 2024

Jon Heyman and Mike Puma of the New York Post reported that Counsell was "said to be 'serious' about his interest in the Mets," though the Brewers were "still in the bidding."

Additionally, the current Brewers manager is reportedly "interested in raising the bar for managerial salaries, which have stagnated or even trended lower in recent years" and the Mets are "expected to be the high bidder thanks to deeper pockets, the difficulty of luring someone away from his home and an obvious cost-of-living discrepancy."

Counsell's contract expires with the Brewers on Tuesday, though Morosi noted there is "no firm timeline for his decision on where to manage in 2024."

The Mets, following an incredibly disappointing season after having a massive payroll in 2023, would make sense as a suitor as they look to quickly retool following a slew of midseason trades. They also have the means to offer him a bigger deal than smaller-market clubs like the Guardians or Brewers, making them the likely frontrunners.

Counsell, 53, has spent the past nine seasons as Milwaukee's manager, leading the club to a 707-625 record in that time and five postseason appearances. The one major knock against him is that despite his overall success, the Brewers only won one playoff series with him at the helm.

Prior to his managing career, he spent 16 seasons in MLB as a player, hitting .255 for his career with 42 homers, 390 RBI, 647 runs, 103 stolen bases and a .686 OPS. He won two World Series titles in his playing career.