Chicago Cubs’ search for a new manager didn’t last as long as some expected. ESPN reported on Wednesday that Cubs decided to select their former catcher David Ross for the job.
Sources close to the team say that Ross will be confirmed as Cubs’ new manager in the coming days. He will succeed Joe Maddon, who parted ways with the team last month.
Cubs considered several candidates for the job in recent weeks, including Joe Girardi, Astros bench coach Joe Espada, and Yankees assistant Carlos Beltran. Still, Ross’ connection with the organization prevailed, and he quickly became a firm favorite for the job after his interview. This will be the first managerial experience for the 42-year-old.
“There is a lot of sacrifice to be given up when you take a job like that,” – Ross said on Monday when he discussed the possibility of him taking over the Cubs. “I think the opportunity and my name linked to such a great organization and a Hall of Fame-type front office is really cool. And being a part of that and knowing those guys so well and having a history with some of those guys in the locker room and friendships are where the pull is. That city and those guys have treated me so well. You hate to see them fail and feel like you can maybe have some input in some form and fashion.”
Over the course of his MLB career, which lasted 15 seasons, David Ross played with seven teams. He joined the Chicago Cubs in 2015 and immediately helped the team win the World Series, their first in 106 years. This was the second championship for Ross, as he won one with Boston Red Sox in 2013.
Ross decided to retire following the 2016 MLB season and has served as an analyst for ESPN as well as Cubs’ special assistant to baseball operations.
