Cubs Reportedly Hire David Ross as Next Manager
By Michael Luciano
The Chicago Cubs reportedly have a new manager, and it's going to be a member of their championship-winning team from 2016.
Former backup catcher David Ross is expected to be named as Joe Maddon's replacement in Chicago, as his agent and Theo Epstein are reportedly hammering out contract details.
Highly placed source has confirmed to me David Ross is expected to be named Cubs manager this week. His agent has been discussing contractual terms with Theo Epstein. Deal is almost done. More on @ESPN1000 at 9 am. On @NBCSChicago + https://t.co/VqUFW8rK8r throughout the day.
— David Kaplan (@thekapman) October 23, 2019
Ross was long considered one of the two favorites for this job, as he and Houston Astros bench coach Joe Espada were vying for this vacancy.
After retiring following the 2016 season, Ross has been working as an analyst for ESPN's Baseball Tonight. The success of former analyst-turned-manager Aaron Boone has likely eased concerns about making the jump from TV to the big leagues.
Ross' return to Wrigley already has the Javier Baez stamp of approval, as he and several other Cubs teammates have talked at great lengths about the impact Ross' presence in the locker room had when they were developing into star players.
This is Javier Baez talking about the wisdom David Ross provided in the clubhouse
— Cubs Live (@Cubs_Live) October 18, 2019
“...I used to ask a lot of questions. Especially to Ross. He told me that I needed to play & let the game teach me things... That was a big thing for me.”
I’m in on Ross. pic.twitter.com/6XTighClHe
Ross is a bit of a wild card as far as managerial hires go, but no one will command more immediate respect in that locker room.