REPORT: Guardians Ask Permission To Interview Craig Counsell

The Cleveland Guardians reportedly have interest in Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell.

The search continues.

The Cleveland Guardians front office marches on as they interview and screen candidates to succeed Terry Francona as the team's next manager. Stephen Vogt made headlines earlier this week as it's being reported he's had multiple interviews with Cleveland, but he's not the only prospect the team is looking at

The Athletic's Will Samon reported that the Guardians Organization recently asked permission to interview Craig Counsell. This is what Samon had to say about the situation:

"Multiple league sources linked Counsell to the Cleveland Guardians’ manager opening as a candidate. The Guardians have asked permission to speak with him, league sources said. And people within the industry insisted that Cleveland, another small-market team that operates much like Milwaukee, could make a serious financial pitch to Counsell; previously, Terry Francona was among the highest-paid managers."

Aug 26, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell relaxes before game against the San Diego Padres at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports / © Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Guardians and the Brewers have similar front offices in terms of plan, scheme, and strategy. Cleveland and Milwaukee are both small market teams and operate as such prioritizing their farm system and developing talent from within.

Perhaps Counsell would value and change of scenery while still remaining in a situation he's comfortable with. If that's the case, Cleveland is the perfect fit for him.

Counsell has a successful record as a Big League manager leading the Brewers to six NL Central titles in the last six seasons. This means he's also drawing interest from other teams with manager vacancies.

The New York Mets are an organization that has been closely tied with Counsell due to him and their new President of Baseball Operations David Sterns having a previous working relationship with the Brewers from 2015-22.

Is Counsell the right candidate for the job? Time will tell.