Craig Counsell. Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

One AL team has asked permission to interview Craig Counsell

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Tyler Koerth_ | Last updated 10/26/23

Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell is currently the most sought-after free agent. Even though his contract with the Brew Crew does not end until Oct. 31 teams are coming forward and asking permission to interview him.

It was revealed that the New York Mets were one of those teams, but an American League team has asked for permission as well.

According to Will Sammon of The Athletic , the Cleveland Guardians have asked the Brewers for permission to interview Counsell. They are in need of a new manager after Terry Francona elected to step down after 11 seasons.

A few days ago former Brewers catcher Stephen Vogt was linked to the Guardians and was labeled a serious candidate for the managerial opening. Now Sammon is reporting that Cleveland is interested in interviewing Counsell. Sammon did not report if permission was granted or not.

There are a few things going the Guardians' way in their reported quest for Counsell. One is that they are another small market team that operates similarly to Milwaukee. Another is that their former skipper Francona was one of the highest-paid managers in the league. A few reports have suggested that Counsell wants to set a new standard for manager salaries with his next contract.

Whatever happens, it will be interesting to see what Counsell elects to do. Right now, he appears open to hearing what other clubs have to say. This may force the Brewers to offer him a higher salary which he previously was being paid $3.5M.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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