Craig Counsell’s unprecedented $40 million deal to become the Chicago Cubs manager has sparked a ripple of change in the world of baseball management. As the first managerial financial revolution begins to unfold, other managers are likely to reevaluate their contracts and negotiate more lucrative deals.
Several managers and insiders believe that Counsell’s landmark deal could signal a shift in how managers are compensated. While many managers have historically accepted team-friendly deals, they now see an opportunity to increase their value in light of Counsell’s success. Some managers have privately expressed their support for Counsell’s decision to prioritize his worth and his impact on the franchise.
Traditionally, the salaries of MLB managers and coaches have been lower compared to those in other sports. This trend has been the result of a perceived decline in the importance of managers, as front offices have taken on more decision-making power in areas like lineups and in-game strategies. However, managers have a crucial role in overseeing the team’s culture, handling media, and making critical decisions.
The argument is that the role of a manager is more like that of a CEO for a significant part of the year. They represent a multi-billion dollar company and face unique challenges, such as dealing with players’ personal issues and managing the team’s image in the media.
Recent postseason results also support the case for experienced managers. Championship-winning managers in the past few years, like Brian Snitker, Dusty Baker, and Bruce Bochy, have been veterans of the game. In contrast, some teams have opted for inexperienced managers at a lower cost.
Craig Counsell’s deal could be a turning point in addressing these issues. He was willing to test the market and draw interest from various teams, ultimately securing a significantly higher salary with the Chicago Cubs. This move has established a market rate for experienced managers, with the Cubs bidding much more than the Milwaukee Brewers, his former team.
As managerial contracts approach their expiration dates, more managers may consider testing the market, following the path set by Counsell. The landscape of baseball management contracts may evolve as managers seek deals that better reflect their contributions to their respective teams.