Mets to Interview Brewers' Manager Craig Counsell for Managerial Vacancy

Despite approval from Milwaukee Brewers for Mets' interview, Craig Counsell's final decision pending, may re-sign with Brewers or consider offers from teams like Cleveland Guardians and Houston Astros.

Despite the Mets receiving permission to interview him, Craig Counsell, the current Brewers' Manager, remains a managerial free agent and his desires are yet to be made public. Counsell, who has had considerable success during his eight-plus years as Brewers manager, can leverage his popularity in MLB's smallest market and record of outperforming expected win rates based on runs scored and allowed to potentially secure a larger contract, whether at the Mets, the Brewers, or elsewhere.
The details of Counsell's contract could play a significant role in his decision. He made $3.5 million in 2023, but the top end of the manager market comes in at over $6 million, a salary the Brewers typically wouldn't pay. However, he is a local favorite in Milwaukee, and the franchise is looking to secure more than $500 million in stadium improvements; losing Counsell could risk stirring up unfavorable local sentiment.
Counsell is known for being a tough negotiator, having been an active member of the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) and a participant in the negotiating committee during collective bargaining with MLB. He is still in his prime managing years and has the reputation as being among the game’s best.
Potential competition for Counsell's services is growing, with teams like the Houston Astros, Cleveland Guardians, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Angels also having managerial vacancies. The connection between Counsell and the Mets' new president of baseball operations, David Stearns, might also be an appealing factor for the Mets in their search for a new manager.
Even if Counsell is open to accepting other offers, it's not guaranteed he'll choose the Mets. Other teams may present more appealing opportunities. If Brewers' owner Mark Attanasio makes a fair offer, Counsell could stay in Milwaukee, despite the potential for higher offers from other teams.