When the Chicago Cubs stunned the baseball world by hiring Craig Counsell as their new manager—on a record-setting contract, no less—it sent a message: this franchise is serious about winning again. Counsell, long respected for his savvy leadership with the Milwaukee Brewers, was expected to bring order, discipline, and playoff-caliber performance to Wrigleyville.
And so far, things look good. The Cubs’ stars are smiling. The team chemistry seems strong. The dugout energy is positive. But seasoned fans and insiders know: baseball seasons are marathons, not sprints. Underneath the sunny outlook, potential problems are quietly brewing.
Here are the major crises that could soon challenge Craig Counsell, even with his most important players currently happy and healthy.
1. High Expectations and the Price of Greatness
Counsell didn’t just take the job—he took the biggest manager paycheck in MLB history. That alone comes with pressure. The Cubs front office may not have set a public “World Series or bust” goal, but internally, everyone knows the stakes.
If the team hits a rough patch or falls behind in the division, public and internal scrutiny will be swift and intense. A single poor stretch in July or September could ignite a crisis of confidence from fans, media, and even the clubhouse.
2. Rotation Overload: When Depth Becomes Disruption
Having a strong starting rotation is every manager’s dream—but too many capable arms can become a management headache. Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Kyle Hendricks, and others all want regular starts. Top prospects like Ben Brown are also knocking on the door.
What happens when someone gets pushed to the bullpen or skipped in the rotation? Or when a veteran struggles while a rookie thrives? Counsell will need to walk the tightrope of performance-based decisions without upsetting locker room dynamics.
3. Veterans vs. the Prospect Pipeline
The Cubs have invested in veterans like Cody Bellinger, Dansby Swanson, and Ian Happ. But they also have elite young talent ready to break through—Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alexander Canario, Matt Shaw, and more.
The question: when does performance outweigh status? If the kids start outperforming their veteran counterparts, Counsell will have to decide whether to stick with experience or embrace the future. Either choice risks clubhouse friction if not handled delicately.
4. The Bullpen Time Bomb
Every MLB team faces bullpen volatility, and the Cubs are no different. Even with strong arms like Adbert Alzolay and Julian Merryweather, relief pitching can swing games—and seasons.
If roles become unclear, if trust erodes, or if overuse causes injuries, the Cubs’ bullpen could become a recurring late-game liability. How Counsell manages those arms—especially in high-leverage situations—may define his first season in Chicago.
5. Welcome to the Windy City Media Circus
Unlike Milwaukee, Chicago is a big media market with relentless attention and sharp criticism. Counsell’s decisions—every challenge, every substitution, every quote—will be picked apart.
If the team underperforms or a controversy emerges, the noise will get loud. Counsell’s calm demeanor will be tested as much by the headlines as by opposing lineups.
6. Happiness Can Be Deceptive
Here’s the paradox: when everyone is happy, big decisions become even harder. Should you bench a slumping veteran if he’s a respected leader? Should a red-hot rookie steal at-bats from a fan favorite?
Too much harmony can make disruption riskier, even when it’s the right call. Counsell must balance performance-based objectivity with emotional intelligence to avoid internal backlash.
Final Thoughts: Can Counsell Manage the Storm?
Craig Counsell’s leadership has already made a mark on the Cubs. But if this season proves anything, it will be that good vibes are only one part of a winning formula.
The real test will come not when things are going well—but when they aren’t.
The Cubs have the talent to win the division. They have the depth to make a postseason run. But potential crises—some small, some seismic—are already taking shape behind the scenes. How Counsell handles those turning points will determine whether 2025 becomes a season of triumph… or one of what-ifs.
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