If Counsell leaves, I don't think money was the motivating factor. The main reason if he doesn't return, our roster is about to nosedive. Adames is gone (though he isn't that great it seems), Burnes is gone, and Woodruff is gone, heck even Miley is gone. It is pretty doubtful all those guys return...if they were, Counsell probably would stick around another year. I don't care how optimistic you are, deep down, you know this team is going to be quite low odds to make the postseason in upcoming years. We probably aren't going to run out there and lose 90+ games, but our starting rotation is not pretty looking after we lose two Cy Young candidates.
I always figured he would bail after the year to be with his family (didn't care much to manage elsewhere), but if Counsell 100% wants to manage next year...yah, Milwaukee isn't really a great gig. Getting a WC spot would be a success in 2024+.
As far as this award, the award is kind of dumb and subjective. Counsell would win the award if it was based on the last 5 years of tenure...but it basically awards the surprising team of the year. Which is fine, or else the same manager would just by default year over year.