What's Happening?
David Ross, the former manager of the Chicago Cubs, is actively seeking a return to managing in Major League Baseball. Ross, who was dismissed by the Cubs after the 2023 season, expressed his desire to manage again in an interview with Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Despite being out of baseball for two years, Ross remains a notable figure due to his previous tenure with the Cubs, where he led the team to an NL Central title in 2020. However, the Cubs did not make the playoffs in the subsequent seasons, leading to his replacement by Craig Counsell. Ross has not been interviewed for managerial positions with the Reds, Marlins, or White Sox, but there have been discussions about bench coach roles with the Yankees and Orioles. Ross, however, prefers a managerial position. With Brian Snitker stepping down and several other teams, including the Twins, Giants, Nationals, Orioles, Rockies, Rangers, and Angels, having managerial vacancies, Ross sees potential opportunities to return to the dugout.
Why It's Important?
The search for a new managerial position by David Ross highlights the competitive nature of MLB management roles and the high turnover rate among team managers. Ross's interest in returning to a managerial role underscores the demand for experienced leaders in baseball, especially as several teams are currently seeking new managers. His previous success with the Cubs, including a World Series win as a player, makes him a strong candidate for teams looking to rebuild or strengthen their leadership. The availability of multiple managerial positions this offseason presents a significant opportunity for Ross and other former managers to re-enter the league. This situation also reflects broader trends in MLB, where teams frequently reassess leadership to improve performance and achieve competitive success.
What's Next?
With eight managerial openings across MLB, including high-profile teams like the Twins and Giants, the offseason is expected to be active with interviews and negotiations. David Ross will likely be considered for several of these positions, given his experience and previous success. Teams will be evaluating candidates based on their ability to lead and develop talent, as well as their strategic vision for the future. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the direction of these franchises and could impact team performance in the upcoming season. As teams finalize their managerial choices, the landscape of MLB leadership will undergo significant changes.