Astros interested in highly coveted managerial candidate
With Craig Counsell already drawing interest from the Mets and Guardians, it would make sense for other teams with managerial duties to look at the soon-to-be free agent skipper as well. According to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel , the Astros have “expressed interest” in Counsell, but “it’s unclear how serious their pursuit will be.”
Houston, who had nine impressive seasons with the Brewers, could try hard to investigate Counsell. The Astros clearly expect to be in contention again in 2024, so hiring a manager like Counsell, who has proven he can consistently get a team to the postseason, seems like a logical way to fill the big shoes left by Dusty Baker which withdraws.
Considering it’s only been a week since the Astros were eliminated in the ALCS and Baker retired, the club’s quest for control is far from over.
Pitching coach Joe Espada and former Tigers/Angels manager Brad Ausmus are considered two of the top prospects, but it has not yet been announced which other names Houston will consider for the job.
As for Counsell, his contract with the Brewers is officially up, so the manager will be more than ready to hire another team starting Wednesday.
That doesn’t necessarily mean a decision will be made anytime soon, as MLB Network’s John Morosi noted that there is no set timetable for Counsell’s next career pick. The possible addition of the Astros adds another wrinkle to the already three-team list of contenders.
The Brewers allowed the Mets and Guardians to interview their attorneys, and Hogg heard from sources that the Brewers themselves “started requesting interviews with potential managers.” It’s another natural step in due diligence, as the crew obviously doesn’t want to restart the executive search if Counsell leaves, but it also means some “uncertainty” for the Milwaukee front office about Counsell’s solution.
Right now, Counsell looks set to become the highest paid coach in sports.
That’s because it’s hard to imagine his next contract won’t exceed Terry Francona’s $4.5 million annual average salary as a head coach.
Security. The Mets and owner Steve Cohen would certainly reduce the financial burden if they hired Counsell, but Hogg believes there’s no reason the Brewers shouldn’t offer Counsell a big salary since his salary is $3.5 million USD.
. As Hogg pointed out, a manager’s salary is relatively small compared to what a small team like the Brewers pays its regular players.
