Cubs, Craig Counsell hire secret weapon to recruit Corbin Burnes and more

The Chicago Cubs failed to live up to expectations in 2024, their first season under the watchful eye of Craig Counsell. The Cubs gave Counsell the richest management contract in MLB history, hoping he would take them to the next level. Chicago learned the hard way that it takes more than just a smart management mind to compete for a playoff spot. The schedule must be correct.

That’s Jed Hoyer’s job this winter. MLB Free Agency is underway and while Chicago has yet to make a big splash, the Cubs have been linked to several big names, including Corbin Burnes. Counsell was Burne’s manager with the Milwaukee Brewers, and the two always got along.

“Couns is obviously a guy I had a good relationship with. I’ve talked to him a lot this season. He’s someone I’ll always keep in touch with because he gave me an opportunity. I’ve been pretty close with over the years became him.” ,” Burnes told Robert Murray of FanSided in July.

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On Monday, the Cubs made a small coaching staff change that could pay off big time. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Counsell has added Tyler Zombro as a special assistant. Zombro is one of the best-known pitching coaches in baseball.

The money the Cubs offer the likes of Burnes and others will ultimately determine whether they can land a top-level starter. Make no mistake about it. However, having Zombro on their staff won’t hurt things.

Zombro’s goal, according to Passan, is to “help improve the performance of the Cubs’ arms.” That’s easier said than done, but the Cubs rotation easily outperformed their talent level in 2024. If they can expand their arsenal in any way, Zombro should be able to help realize their potential next spring.