MLB Notebook: Cubs Hire Craig Counsell as Manager, Fire David Ross

Chicago Cubs make surprising managerial moves, hiring Craig Counsell and firing David Ross. Counsell signs record-breaking deal worth over $40 million.

The Chicago Cubs made a surprising move on Monday by hiring Craig Counsell as their new manager and parting ways with David Ross. Counsell, who previously managed the Milwaukee Brewers, signed a record-breaking contract worth over $40 million for five years. Ross, who led the Cubs to a NL Central victory in 2020, was let go after four seasons with a record of 262-284. The Cubs, who had a disappointing season this year, are hoping that Counsell's hiring will lead to a more successful future. With Counsell on board, the Cubs may be more active in free agency, looking to add players like Cody Bellinger to their lineup and strengthen their rotation.

Meanwhile, the New York Mets have reportedly hired Carlos Mendoza, the Yankees' bench coach, as their new manager. Mendoza will be replacing Buck Showalter, who was fired at the end of last season. This marks the first major hire by new Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns. Mendoza, who has managed in the Venezuelan Winter League and has experience coaching in the minors, will be taking over a Mets team that finished fourth in the NL East this season. Despite having the highest payroll in MLB history, the Mets struggled and finished 29 games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves.

In other managerial news, the Cleveland Guardians have hired Stephen Vogt as their new manager. Vogt, a former journeyman catcher with no managerial experience, was previously the bullpen coach for the Seattle Mariners. The Guardians considered other candidates, including Craig Counsell, but ultimately chose Vogt for the position. Vogt, a two-time All-Star, played for six teams in his 10-year career before retiring in 2022. He hopes to continue his career as a manager and is excited for the opportunity with the Guardians.

The Miami Marlins have announced the hiring of Peter Bendix as their new president of baseball operations. Bendix, who previously worked for the Tampa Bay Rays, brings 15 years of experience to the Marlins organization. He will be taking over the department previously overseen by Kim Ng, who left the team last month. The Marlins made the announcement just before the start of baseball's annual general managers' meetings. Bendix's hiring is expected to bring stability to the Marlins and help them build a successful team in the future.

Finally, the New York Yankees have lost pitcher Domingo Germán, who became a free agent after refusing an assignment to the minor leagues. Germán, who pitched a perfect game earlier this year, had a season record of 5-7 with a 4.56 ERA. The Yankees placed Germán on the restricted list in August as he entered alcohol abuse treatment. Germán's departure leaves a gap in the Yankees' roster and raises questions about their pitching staff for the upcoming season.