Craig Counsell's journey with the Chicago Cubs has been anything but a smooth ride, yet here we are, witnessing a resurgence in Wrigleyville. After being hired as the highest-paid manager in baseball, Counsell faced skepticism from a fanbase hungry for a return to glory post-2016.
His first season saw the Cubs win 83 games, mirroring the previous year's record under David Ross. However, 2025 was a different story.
Counsell led the team to 92 wins and their first playoff victories since 2017, narrowly missing an NLCS berth.
The atmosphere around the Cubs has shifted dramatically, with expectations soaring thanks to a stellar offseason. Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins have been busy, most notably signing Alex Bregman, a move that has fans buzzing.
Now, it's up to Counsell to steer this ship deep into October. His meticulous attention to detail in spring training hasn't gone unnoticed, especially by two-time Gold Glover Nico Hoerner.
"He's done a good job this year of using his voice, for sure," Hoerner shared with 670 The Score. "I love when he does that.
He definitely does it more in spring training. He's half-kidding, half really being serious about something in a way that I think keeps it loose but also keeps guys accountable."
The stability of the roster has been a blessing for Counsell as the team dives into the 2026 season. With minimal turnover, the Cubs hit the ground running, exuding a palpable "eyes on the prize" energy at their Mesa camp. While they may not be all-in on 2026, the familiarity and cohesion within the team are undeniable assets.
However, the clock is ticking. The Cubs face a wave of impending free agency, with key players like Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga, and potentially Matthew Boyd set to test the market. Hoerner himself is among those who could be on the move.
Counsell's sharpened focus this spring is timely. With Bregman setting the tone in the clubhouse, it's a full-court press for the Cubs to bring a championship back to the North Side.
The pieces are in place, but the urgency is real. It's all hands on deck for what promises to be a pivotal season in Chicago.