According to multiple league sources, Craig Counsell, renowned for his role in prolonging Cleveland's World Series drought a quarter-century ago, has emerged as a top candidate for the managerial vacancy with the Cleveland Guardians. Counsell recently met with Guardians brass in Cleveland to discuss the position, signaling the team's seriousness in breaking their 75-year championship drought, the longest active spell for any professional sports team in one city.

Counsell, currently the manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, is widely regarded as one of the game's most accomplished and respected managers. His contract with the Brewers officially expires on Tuesday, but the team has granted the Guardians and the New York Mets permission to interview him. The Mets are scheduled to have their meeting with Counsell, although a formal date has not been confirmed as of Monday.

The Guardians had initially aimed to announce a successor to Terry Francona by the end of October; however, Counsell's availability has complicated their selection process, which began with approximately 45 candidates. Among the individuals considered were Cubs bench coach Andy Green, Dodgers first-base coach Clayton McCullough, Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza, Giants bullpen coach Craig Albernaz, and internal candidates John McDonald and Chris Valaika.

While there is a hope within the Brewers organization that Counsell will extend his tenure with the team, it is evident that multiple clubs are vying for his services. As his experiences and achievements in Milwaukee have made him an appealing candidate, it is expected that every team with a managerial vacancy would express interest in Counsell.

Counsell's connection with the Mets extends beyond this managerial opportunity, as he had previously enjoyed a highly successful run with Mets president of baseball operations, David Stearns, during their time with the Brewers. From 2015 to 2022, under Counsell's guidance, the Brewers consistently advanced to the playoffs, setting a franchise record of four postseason appearances in that period.

There are speculations within the industry that the Mets, helmed by the wealthy owner Steve Cohen, may be ready to offer Counsell the highest managerial salary in baseball. Despite the Guardians' historically limited payroll, they had made Terry Francona one of the highest-paid managers in the league during his 11-year tenure.

However, the Brewers also possess significant leverage in negotiations. Counsell, a native of Wisconsin who resides there year-round, has become an integral part of the Milwaukee organization and has been the winningest manager in the team's history. Close associates of Counsell have suggested that he places importance on the opportunity to raise the floor for managerial salaries, further emphasizing the need for the Brewers to make a compelling offer to retain him.

As the managerial search continues, it remains to be seen whether the Guardians, Mets, or Brewers will secure the services of Craig Counsell, whose track record and reputation make him an enticing candidate for any team in need of a leader.

(Note: This article is generated based on the information provided and does not include any external updates or developments beyond the scope of the text.)