I honestly wasn’t even thinking this was a possibility. However, Craig Counsell may be on the hot seat, according to a writeup on Bleacher Report. Now, this seems like pure speculation. Did the Brewers miss the playoffs? Yeah. Was it frustrating? Yeah.

The Brewers, though, made the playoffs four straight years prior to this season, a first in franchise history. Well, I don’t think it is going to happen, why is there a perception of the possibility the Brewers may have a new manager on Opening Day in 2023?

Is Craig Counsell really on the hot seat?

If you know the Brewers’ franchise history, it seems unthinkable a coach who has delivered four straight playoff berths is on the hot seat after missing the playoffs one year. However, early playoff exits and now a missed trip to the postseason altogether has people murmuring.

Brewers postgame show questioning Counsell's bullpen management pic.twitter.com/NTG5fvu2xn

— VHS (@VanHicklestein) August 14, 2022

One thing the Bleacher Report article states is it could be a similar situation to Dusty Baker in San Francisco and Washington. “while it appreciates Counsell’s ability to deliver winning regular seasons—it needs to bring in a closer.

But in seven-plus years, he has won just one postseason series, and this year’s team wilted after entering the Aug. 2 trade deadline with a three-game lead in the NL Central.

I don’t think the seat is very hot. But that doesn’t matter. How does the front office feel?

Stearns said he was pleased with the performance of Craig Counsell this season. Counsell's contract is up after the 2023 season but he wouldn't offer any specifics on whether talks are underway to extend.

Talks on the coaching staff are taking place this week.

— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) October 11, 2022

Counsell will be manager in 2023

In his end of the season media session, David Stearns seemed more than pleased with Craig Counsell and his job as manager. It’s hard to blame him. Counsell is pretty clearly the best manager in franchise history by any measurable metric.

Now, in my view Counsell is all but guaranteed to begin 2023 as manager of the Brewers. I thought that before Stearns’ conference. However, a very slow start – depending on the offseason moves Milwaukee makes – could make things interesting. On Opening Day, though, Craig Counsell is very likely to remain the manager. I also think he should be.

Stearns on Craig Counsell: "Craig's doing an outstanding job. We're fortunate to have him."

— Andrew Wagner (@ByAndrewWagner) October 11, 2022

Interesting offseason for roster not manager

While I think Counsell’s job is secure, the offseason is going to be fascinating to see what happens with the roster. It will also adjust expectations for the team and manager. The Brewers could be in a mini-rebuild with a Burnes or Woodruff trade and playing a few young guys. They could run it back with Burnes/Woodruff and give it one more go with both horses. Could be a blend of those options. It’s going to be interesting, but I think you can feel very confident Counsell will be the manager on Opening Day.