Cubs fire Ross, hire Counsell as manager
The Chicago Cubs hired manager Craig Counsell away from Milwaukee, landing the former big leaguer with a recordbreaking contract and firing David Ross in a tandem of surprising moves.
The 53-year-old Counsell becomes the majors' highest paid manager with a five-year contract worth more than $40 million.
Ross, 46, went 262-284 in four seasons with Chicago, winning the NL Central in 2020 in his first year in charge. He also was a beloved backup catcher for the Cubs when they won the 2016 World Series.
Chicago was in position for an NL wild card this year before stumbling in September. It went 83-79 after finishing under .500 in the previous two seasons.
The addition of Counsell, the winningest manager in Brewers history, likely means the Cubs plan to be active in free agency.
Counsell led the budgetconscious Brewers to five playoff appearances in the last six years, including three NL Central titles. His contract expired at the end of the season, making him one of the biggest managerial free agents in recent years.
• The Cleveland Guardians have named former catcher Stephen Vogt as their 49th manager. He replaces Terry Francona, who stepped down after 11 years.
Vogt, 38, was a 2007 draft pick by the Rays and also played for the A's, Brewers, Giants, Diamondbacks and Atlanta.
In 10 big league seasons, the former Azusa Pacific standout hit .239 with 82 homers and 313 RBIs. He was a two-time All-Star with the A's in 2015 and 2016 and helped the Braves win the 2021 World Series.
He has no managerial experience.
• The New York Mets are hiring Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza as their manager.
Mendoza spent the past four seasons with the Yankees. He replaces Buck Showalter, who was fired by the Mets at the end of last season.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks extended manager Torey Lovullo's contract through the 2026 season following the team's surprising run to the World Series.
The former UCLA star had his contract extended through 2024 in June, before the D-backs went on their unexpected postseason run. Arizona beat Milwaukee, the Dodgers and Philadelphia in the playoffs, then lost to Texas in a fivegame World Series.
Lovullo, 58, completed his seventh season with the D-backs. He was the NL Manager of the Year in 2017.
• The Atlanta Braves exercised a $20 million option for pitcher Charlie Morton, but they declined a $9 million option for outfielder Eddie Rosario.
The return of Morton, who went 14-12 with a 3.64 ERA, was expected even though he turns 40 Sunday.
• The San Diego Padres