In what may be the most pivotal moment of the Chicago Cubs’ 2025 season, General Manager Carter Hawkins has delivered a pointed and unmistakable message to his embattled manager, Craig Counsell: “Win or else.”
Sources inside the Cubs organization confirmed that Hawkins used those exact three words during a closed-door meeting following the team’s latest disappointing performance. The warning was clear—if the Cubs fall again to the New York Mets in their upcoming matchup, Counsell’s job could be on the line.
Mounting Frustration on the North Side
The Cubs entered the 2025 season with high hopes, bolstered by offseason acquisitions, a promising young core, and the marquee hire of Craig Counsell—the most expensive manager in MLB history. But halfway through the season, the results have been underwhelming.
With a record hovering well below expectations and inconsistency plaguing both the lineup and pitching staff, fans have grown restless. And now, it appears the front office’s patience is wearing thin as well.
“This is a results-driven business,” one team insider said. “Hawkins isn’t looking for moral victories or silver linings anymore. He wants wins—now.”
The Breaking Point: Mets Series
The timing of Hawkins’ warning is no coincidence. The Cubs are set to face the New York Mets in the final game of a tense series, having already dropped two straight. Another loss, especially in front of a home crowd, could be the tipping point for a major shakeup.
The “win or else” ultimatum adds immediate weight to the game—not just for the team, but for Counsell personally. His reputation as a calm, cerebral leader is being tested under fire. And now, he may be managing for his job.
Counsell Under Pressure
Craig Counsell has long been respected across MLB for his strategic mind and leadership, particularly during his successful tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers. But managing in Chicago—under a massive contract, with sky-high expectations—is proving to be a different beast.
Publicly, Counsell has remained composed, but behind the scenes, there are signs of tension. Players have reportedly sensed the urgency in recent team meetings, and his in-game decisions have faced increasing scrutiny from fans and media alike.
What’s Next If Cubs Lose?
While no official comment has been made regarding Counsell’s status, speculation is swirling that the front office could move swiftly if the team falters again. Bench coach Andy Green is considered a possible interim option, but the broader concern is what message a managerial firing would send to a clubhouse already searching for stability.
Some believe the pressure could galvanize the team—others fear it could create more chaos.
Fanbase at a Crossroads
Wrigley Field has seen its share of drama, but the current mood among Cubs fans is one of anxious impatience. After a rebuild that was supposed to lead to a new era of sustained success, many are now wondering if the team is stuck in neutral.
The response to Hawkins’ “win or else” edict has been mixed. Some see it as the accountability the organization needs. Others view it as a sign of deeper dysfunction.
> “This isn’t just about one game,” said a longtime season ticket holder. “It’s about a vision that’s starting to feel like smoke and mirrors.”
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Final Thoughts: All Eyes on First Pitch
As the Cubs prepare to take the field against the Mets, the stakes have never been higher for Craig Counsell. What was once just another game on a long schedule has become a moment of reckoning.
One more loss could mean the end of the Counsell era—before it ever truly began.
One thing is certain: when Carter Hawkins said “Win or else”, he meant it.