(Milwaukee) After spending the last eight seasons as a bench coach alongside Craig Counsell, Pat Murphy takes over the helm of the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Brewers announced Murphy’s promotion on Wednesday, just over a week after the Chicago Cubs announced the signing of Counsell. The latter was presented to the Chicago media on Monday.
“Pat Murphy brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion for baseball and knows the Brewers organization, players, staff and culture,” said Matt Arnold, the team’s president of baseball operations. Pat has proven to be a significant contributor during the Brewers’ recent successful seasons. We are delighted that Pat will continue to be part of the Brewers family and are excited to appoint him as manager today. »
The Brewers will hold a press conference Thursday to introduce Murphy, who received a three-year contract.
Murphy has big shoes to fill.
Counsell set a Brewers record for most wins as a manager and led the organization to its longest winning streak, including four playoff appearances over the past six seasons.
Counsell became manager of the Brewers in 2015 after Ron Roenicke was fired. He hired Murphy as a bench instructor after the 2015 season.
The Counsell-Murphy connection goes back further than that. Murphy, who will celebrate his 65thIt is birthday on Nov. 28, was manager at the University of Notre Dame when Counsell played there from 1989 to 1992.
Murphy’s only management experience in the majors came in 2015, when he went 42-54 as interim manager of the San Diego Padres following the firing of Bud Black. When the Padres hired Andy Green as their full-time manager after the 2015 season, Murphy joined Counsell’s staff in Milwaukee.
Previously, Murphy spent approximately three decades as a manager in college and the minor leagues.
Murphy takes over a team that just posted a 92-70 record to capture the National Central Division title. The Brewers, however, were defeated by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round of the National Series.
The Brewers also find themselves at a crossroads regarding the contracts of several key players. They must decide whether to offer a contract to pitcher Brandon Woodruff, who could miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing shoulder surgery. Star pitcher Corbin Burnes and shortstop Willy Adames can become free agents after the 2024 season. Shortstop Devin Williams has two years left on his contract before he is eligible for free agency.
In addition to promoting Murphy, the Brewers named Rickie Weeks associate manager. Weeks played for the Brewers in 2003 and from 2005 to 2014, becoming a member of the NL All-Star team in 2011. He spent the last two seasons in the Brewers organization as a player development assistant.
“Rickie was a hard-working local player for the Brewers for many years and is now a valued member of our coaching staff,” Arnold said. We look forward to seeing him bring many of his skills as a player to his new role. »
