Cubs Fire Manager David Ross, Name Brewers' Counsell As Skipper

CHICAGO —The Chicago Cubs have moved on from manager David Ross, according to a report, which indicated that the Cubs will be led by Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell.

ESPN and The Athletic reported the surprise move, which brings Counsell to Chicago from Milwaukee, where he managed for nine seasons. Ross, meanwhile, was fired on Monday after the Cubs finished second in the National League Central with an 83-79 record. However, the Cubs missed the playoffs after collapsing late in the season and ended up finishing one game out of the National League Wild Card standings.

The team made the move official on Monday afternoon and said Counsell would be introduced at a news conference at Wrigley Field next week. According to reports, the Cubs will pay Counsell $40 million over a five-year deal.

“Today we made the difficult decision to dismiss David Ross as our Major League Manager,” Cubs President Jed Hoyer said in a statement issued on Monday. “On behalf of the Cubs organization, we express our deep gratitude for David’s contributions to our club, both on and off the field. First as a player and then as a manager, David continually showcased his ability to lead. David’s legacy will be felt in Chicago for generations and his impact to our organization will stack up with the legends that came before him."

Ross was fired after four seasons after signing a contract extension that was set to run through 2024. He had an option for 2025. Ross, who was one of the heroes of the 2016 World Series championship team, finished 264-284 during his tenure with the Cubs.

Counsell had been granted to interview for managerial openings with the Cleveland Guardians and New York Mets. His contract with the Brewers expired on Oct. 31. In the last six years, Counsell – who won two World Series titles as a player with the Florida Marlins in 1997 before helping guide the Arizona Diamondbacks to a championship in 2001.

Ross, meanwhile, appeared to have the support of Hoyer and Chairman Tom Ricketts before being fired on Monday.

"I think Rossy did a great job," Ricketts told reporters in September. "He creates a great clubhouse culture and the players love playing for him. He keeps a steady, balanced approach game in and game out that you need over the course of 162 games."

The Cubs won the 2020 National League Central Division title but have failed to advance to the playoffs since.