Milwaukee Brewers: Top 5 Contenders for Craig Counsell in 2024

Oct 1, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell looks on before the game against the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell looks on before the game against the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Mark Canha (21) a singles on a ground ball to Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (7) during the third inning of Game 2 of the NL wild-card playoff series on Wednesday October 4, 2023 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wis.
Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Mark Canha (21) a singles on a ground ball to Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (7) during the third inning of Game 2 of the NL wild-card playoff series on Wednesday October 4, 2023 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wis. /

The Milwaukee Brewers find themselves at a crossroads following a premature exit from the playoffs. The burning question: Can they secure the services of their highly-regarded manager, Craig Counsell?

The Brew Crew has every incentive to retain Counsell for the 2024 season and beyond, given his stature as one of baseball’s premier skippers. However, it’s worth noting that Counsell’s contract has officially hit its expiration date, rendering him a managerial “free agent” of sorts.

A gentleman’s agreement had been struck to shelve discussions on a new contract until after the postseason, and now, as the dust settles from the Brewers’ unceremonious Wild Card Series sweep at the hands of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the time has come to make a pivotal decision. Milwaukee has plenty of offseason maneuvers to orchestrate, but the linchpin of it all is the future of Counsell.

As the uncertainty lingers regarding his return to the Brewers’ dugout, it’s only fitting to explore the five most plausible landing spots where Counsell could potentially helm a team in the upcoming season.

Here are the top five contenders for Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell, who is not under contract for the 2024 MLB season.

Milwaukee Brewers

This remains the most likely destination. Counsell has longstanding ties with the community, the organization and the team. They also have a window to continue competing for a playoff spot and could become legitimate World Series contenders with a few key moves on the roster.