Insider: 'Growing possibility' Craig Counsell lands with Mets

Manager Craig Counsell had his contract with the Milwaukee Brewers expire after Tuesday, and there are more signs hinting that big-spending New York Mets owner Steve Cohen could soon bring Counsell to the Big Apple. 

Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Tuesday that the Brewers front office has "begun the process of requesting interviews with potential managerial replacements" amid Counsell's uncertain future. Hogg added that "multiple sources strongly indicate Counsell has no intention of taking a hometown discount solely for the purpose of staying with the Brewers." 

Counsell previously worked under current Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns when Stearns held that role with the Brewers and has repeatedly been linked with the Amazins . It was reported last month that Counsell would "welcome the challenge of coming to New York if he and the Mets proved to be a fit," but SNY MLB insider Andy Martino said late Wednesday morning that the 53-year-old "has not yet had a formal interview with" New York. 

Martino also mentioned that the Cleveland Guardians are thus far "the only known team with which Counsell has interviewed. The Houston Astros are also believed to be interested in the skipper's services. 

Counsell holds the most wins as a manager in Brewers franchise history and guided the club to the postseason every year from 2018 through 2021 and again in 2023. Meanwhile, the Mets parted ways with Buck Showalter after their final game of this season. 

Hogg pointed out that the duo of Cohen and Stearns "are expected to make a market-setting offer" for Counsell. The beat reporter also said that "around the game, people have come around to the growing possibility that Counsell goes to the Mets." 

Cohen had no problem building baseball's most expensive squad for 2023 and seemingly would allow Counsell to reset the market shortly after the World Series concludes. It's unclear whether the Brewers would match or better any offer Counsell might receive from the Mets, but history suggests it's unlikely Cohen would lose a bidding war for any manager.