Craig Counsell Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

New York Mets receive permission to interview Craig Counsell

By Aaron Somers | Last updated 10/25/23

David Stearns finally landed the role he had always seemed destined for when the New York Mets hired him in September to serve as their new president of baseball operations. The expectation at the time was that Stearns would bring Craig Counsell with him from Milwaukee.

The Brewers initially rebuffed the Mets' efforts to interview Counsell prior to now, with Milwaukee instead preferring the sides wait until Counsell's contract expires following the World Series. It would appear that sentiment has changed, according to SNY's Andy Martino.

The Mets have received permission to interview Craig Counsell for the manager job, according to league sources. Brewers had initially indicated they would not grant it, and Counsell’s contract would have to expire. They have changed course, and Mets will be interviewing him soon.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) October 25, 2023

Martino follows up with a note that Counsell is expected to consider other managerial opportunities first, so a deal isn't yet done.

Counsell was named manager of the Brewers in May 2015 and the club has reached the postseason in six of his nine seasons, including three division titles. He holds the franchise record for managerial wins with 707 and is the longest-tenured manager in the National League. Milwaukee could still retain him.

The Mets promptly fired Buck Showalter following a 75-87 finish this last season. Much of the team's failings were likely not the fault of the longtime manager, but with a new front office taking shape it was only natural for Stearns to want to bring in his own manager to lead the team moving forward. Whether it is Counsell or another hire, this will be the club's fifth manager since 2017.

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