The Cubs are expected to hire David Ross as their next manager later this week, ESPN 1000 reported Wednesday.
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
While many had considered Ross the frontrunner to replace Joe Maddon even before the previous manager's departure from Chicago became official, the move still represents a departure of sorts for the organization.
Ross is only a few years removed from his playing days, having retired after helping the Cubs win the World Series in 2016, and has worked primarily as a broadcaster since then. You have to go back decades to find someone with a similar profile in the manager's role in Chicago — perhaps back to Phil Cavaretta's days as a player-manager in the early 1950s.
But hiring Ross would follow the trend that has taken hold around MLB of recent former players getting high-profile jobs with little prior experience, particularly Aaron Boone with the Yankees and Alex Cora with the Red Sox (though Cora did spend one season as Houston's bench coach).
Ross, 42, played for eight teams during his 14-year playing career, serving mostly as a backup catcher. But he was always well-regarded by teammates and coaching staffs and had a reputation as someone who would mentor other players in the clubhouse.
Ross has worked as an analyst for ESPN since retiring but has remained close to the Cubs, serving as a special assistant in the team's front office. He has made it clear throughout the process that he would be interested in taking over as manager and it appears he'll get his shot.
Astros bench coach Joe Espada was widely mentioned as the other top contender for the job.
If the hire is going to be announced this week, Thursday would seem the most likely time, as it is a travel day for the World Series.
Once the move is official, six managerial vacancies will remain around MLB, with the Giants, Mets, Padres, Phillies, Pirates and Royals still searching.
