Even if Craig Counsell shakes up the staff, this Cubs coach seems especially safe

Outside of bringing in Ryan Flaherty as the team's new bench coach, changes to the Chicago Cubs coaching staff were minimal last winter after hiring Craig Counsell to replace David Ross.

But with a year under his belt in Chicago, that could change this offseason, with Counsell looking to put his own touch on the coaching staff. He's had a season to get to know guys and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and undoubtedly has some names of coaches he's worked with in the past on his wish list.

One coach on solid ground with both Counsell and players is first-base coach Mike Napoli, who joined the organization as a quality assurance coach under Ross heading into the 2020 season and has been the first-base coach since 2022. He's received a ton of credit as the Cubs overcame early-season issues on the basepaths to become one of the game's best baserunning teams in the second half.

Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner, who swiped a career-high 43 bags last year and has now notched three straight 20+ steal campaigns, had nothing but praise for the team's first-base coach, a former All-Star and World Series champion in his playing days.

He talks to the whole team before every series about catchers’, pitchers’ and team tendencies. But as specific things come up before a series or even during a game, he’s always communicating. Sometimes when I’m on first base he’ll notice something, whether it’s stealing a base or opportunities that are out there.

The Cubs' baserunning prowess was on full display this week in Pittsburgh when they poured on 18 runs and stole eight bases against the Pirates. Napoli brings a winning pedigree from his playing days and, according to The Athletic, has shown an unyielding dedication to his role and helping players improve.

So, again, expect Counsell to make some changes this winter once he has a chance to assess the season, as a whole, and cast his eyes toward 2025. But come Opening Day, Napoli seems highly likely to be back with the team.