Implement the defensive patterns of Craig Counsell

Counsell builds winning rosters using elite defense and deep rotations. He prioritizes a "low-scoring game" strategy where the team relies on defensive stability to hold narrow leads. In 2025, his Milwaukee Brewers squad went 24-16 in games where they held a lead after six innings. This defensive focus works when the roster provides specific athletic profiles. Pete Crow-Armstrong provides elite center field coverage for the Chicago Cubs, ranking in the 99th percentile for Outs Above Average and outfield jump. He saved an estimated 15 runs beyond the league average during the 2026 regular season.

Counsell also targets players who can adjust their positioning to maximize defensive value. Cubs coach Jonathan Mota and Alex Bregman worked to improve Bregman’s defensive performance at third base. They moved him back and closer to the foul line to allow him to attack ground balls to his glove side. This change helped Bregman reach a Fielding Run Value of 5 and 7 Outs Above Average, a decline from his 2024 metrics of 8 in both categories. His positioning also allows Dansby Swanson to start closer to second base to charge balls to his right. Swanson currently starts 118 feet from home plate.

The manager’s plan requires specific depth to maintain these defensive advantages. He needs players who provide "protection" and "choices on a daily basis" throughout the season. For example, the Brewers used Hernan Perez to provide backup at every infield spot. This depth allows Counsell to manage workloads without sacrificing the team’s defensive identity.

Optimize middle infield stability

Successful implementation requires specific player movement to fix defensive holes. In 2016, the Brewers dealt with 17 errors from Jonathan Villar in 108 games at shortstop. Counsell moved Villar to second base to create a "steady and solid" middle infield alongside Orlando Arcia. This move relies on the athleticism of the players to prevent the errors that plagued previous seasons. You should look for players who can handle high-volume defensive duties while maintaining stability.

The following table details the defensive metrics for key Cubs players during the 2026 season.

Counsell avoids making aggressive roster changes that disrupt this defensive chemistry. He prefers to invest in veteran players to return to their previous levels of production. When Dansby Swanson struggled with a .587 OPS, Counsell kept him in the lineup to ensure the team kept his defensive presence. He believes the defensive stability outweighs any potential offensive boost from moving Nico Hoerner to shortstop or using Matt Shaw at second base. This conservative approach to positioning maintains the stability the coaching staff worked to build.

Manage the bullpen and pitching workload

Counsell manages his bullpen by spreading the workload evenly among relievers. He avoids using top relievers to keep games within a single run unless they require work. His strategy relies on the starting rotation to pitch deep into games to reduce the burden on the relief corps. In 2025, the Cubs’ rotation produced the league’s lowest WHIP and BB/9.

The manager’s strategy faces pressure when the pitching staff experiences injuries. The 2026 Cubs rotation faces significant issues because several pitchers are either leaving or currently injured. This situation forces Counsell to rely on players like Edward Cabrera, who posted a 3.53 ERA and 3.99 xERA last season. He also relies on Matthew Boyd, who produced a 3.21 ERA over 179.2 innings.

The strategy also faces challenges with the new MLB rules. The elimination of the extreme infield shift means teams must rely more on pure defensive range. The pitch clock also changes how pitchers manage their energy throughout the game. Will the Cubs’ defensive identity survive if the pitching staff regression continues?