MLB

MLB Offseason Round-Up: Cubs Stun With Counsell Hire, GM Meetings Begin

Published

11 months ago

November 7, 2023

The MLB offseason already had its first wow moment. Shockwaves were sent through the league when the Chicago Cubs hired Craig Counsell as their new manager, replacing David Ross, who was relieved of his duties.

It seemed inevitable that Counsell would either return to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he had managed since 2015, or follow David Sterns to Flushing Queens and the New York Mets. Instead, he pivoted to the Cubs, where he received a mega five-year $40 million contract — the largest deal for a manager in history.

There were two other clubs finding new managers. Despite vying for Counsell, the Mets landed on bringing in Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza as their new manager. Mendoza replaces Buck Showalter after a disappointing season at Citi Field.

In addition to the Brewers and Mets, the Cleveland Guardians filled their managerial vacancy left by the retiring Terry Francona by hiring ex-big league catcher Stephen Vogt. The 39-year-old Vogt had been serving as the bullpen coach/quality control coach for the Seattle Mariners. He has some big shoes to fill.

Elsewhere, the annual GM Meetings kick off on Tuesday in Scottsdale, Arizona. While there won’t be the level of chaos that comes with the Winter Meetings next month, a lot of groundwork for future deals is laid out.

A notable MLB offseason date has come and gone as seven players received a qualifying offer before Monday’s deadline. Those players are Shohei Ohtani (Angels), Cody Bellinger (Cubs), Matt Chapman (Blue Jays), Sonny Gray (Twins), Aaron Nola (Phillies), Blake Snell (Padres) and Josh Hader (Padres).

And finally, the award finalists were announced. They can be found in a tweet below.