The Chicago Cubs are in a position where they are expected to be one of the top teams in the sport. As a result, manager Craig Counsell is expected to lead the team to a lot of wins. They have massive expectations, and as a result, the pressure is on for the Cubs. Ahead of Opening Day, MLB posted its predictions for season-long award winners and Counsell appears to be the favorite for an award himself.
Craig Counsell is predicted to win the 2026 NL Manager of the Year Award
MLB had 57 of its site experts predict who would win each of the major awards. While more than a majority of the National League managers received votes, Craig Counsell secured the official prediction for the award. Below is the snippet that Theo DeRosa wrote about it:
“Ten of the NL’s 15 managers earned votes in our poll, but it was another Craig who led the way: Counsell, in a close vote over Pirates skipper Don Kelly. In 2025, Counsell led the Cubs to a 92-70 record and an NL Wild Card berth, with Chicago losing a tight five-game NLDS to the Brewers, the club Counsell previously managed.
“Counsell skippered Milwaukee to the postseason for four straight years from 2018-21 and again in 2023 before leaving to manage the Cubs, who posted a winning record in 2024 before making the playoffs last season. With third baseman Alex Bregman, starter Edward Cabrera and several new bullpen arms in the fold, Chicago has a chance to challenge for the NL Central crown under Counsell’s leadership.”
Counsell is entering his 12th year as a manager (third with Chicago), but never won the NL Manager of the Year Award. He has shown to be a strong manager, posting a 707-625 (.531) career record. It will be interesting to see if he can lead the Cubs to a dominant level and win the award for the first time.
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