4 reasons the 2024 Chicago Cubs are playoff contenders

2. Craig Counsell’s managerial skills 

I will say this with complete confidence: If Craig Counsell managed the Cubs last year, they would have made the playoffs. From his record in close games to expertise in matchup-to-matchup situations, Counsell has all the skills of a manager who can lead a team to the promised land. Although the Milwaukee Brewers have yet to make it very far in the playoffs, they have been there a staggering five times since 2018 with Counsell at the helm, which speaks for itself. 

Gone are the days when we scratched our heads and wondered what the manager was thinking late in games. Instead, we can rest assured that, night in and night out, Counsell will put the team in the best situation to win. After all the players signed by the Cubs this offseason, it may be Counsell who will be the number one free agent the team acquired over the winter.