Former Chicago Cubs skipper David Ross is back in the headlines, and honestly, he sounds more fired up than ever to return to the dugout. In a pretty open chat with The Athletic, Ross admitted managing is “an itch that hasn’t gone away.”
He’s still passionate about the role, even though he’s been out since the Cubs let him go after the 2023 season. Ross guided the Cubs through highs, lows, and a few close calls, and now he’s just one of several experienced managers hoping to land a new gig in Major League Baseball this offseason.
David Ross’s Journey with the Cubs
Ross took over as Cubs manager in 2020, stepping in after Joe Maddon, and honestly, he didn’t have any coaching experience at the time. The debut season was wild, thanks to the pandemic, but he still managed to bring home an NL Central title in that shortened year.
The postseason run didn’t go far—they bowed out in the Wild Card round. Cubs fans were left wanting something more.
From Division Crown to Playoff Absences
The next three years put Ross’s leadership to the test. Chicago missed the playoffs each time, but the 2023 season felt different.
The Cubs improved by 11 wins over 2022, finishing with 83, and they barely missed a Wild Card spot. That stung for Ross and the team, especially since his time with the Cubs ended right after.
The Sudden Exit
In November 2023, the Cubs made a splash by hiring Craig Counsell on a record-setting five-year, $40 million deal. That move made it clear the franchise wanted to shoot higher, but it also left Ross on the outside looking in.
He’d made progress with player development and kept the team competitive, but suddenly, he didn’t have a dugout anymore.
Opportunities Missed
Ross said he didn’t even get interviews with teams like the Reds, Marlins, or White Sox during the latest round of managerial searches. Sure, some teams—like the Yankees and Orioles—considered him for bench coach jobs, but he’s not interested in being anyone’s assistant right now.
He’s holding out for another shot as a manager.
The Competitive Landscape
This offseason’s kind of wild—eight MLB teams are on the hunt for new managers. That’s a lot of openings, but it also means a lot of competition.
Ross has to stack up against other recently dismissed skippers who also want back in.
Notable Names on the Market
He’s not the only familiar face out there. The list of contenders includes:
- Brandon Hyde
- Derek Shelton
- Bud Black
- Davey Martinez
- And a handful of other veteran managers
Ross will need to lean on his experience and reputation for clubhouse leadership. He’s got to show teams he’s the right fit, especially after last season’s turnaround.
Ross’s Managerial Appeal
What makes Ross a real candidate, even with the playoff drought? Teams notice his strong relationships with players and his ability to adapt under pressure.
He’s open to analytics but still brings that old-school baseball vibe. People doubted him when he jumped straight from playing to managing, but over time, he’s quieted most of those critics by developing the roster and keeping things steady.
Fitting Into the Right Situation
Finding the right team is everything for Ross. He needs a club whose timeline matches his style—one that values communication and a steady hand in the locker room.
Maybe a rebuilding team wants patience, or maybe a contender wants someone who’s been in the fire before. Either way, Ross isn’t fading into the background anytime soon.
Looking Ahead
Right now, Ross’s return to managing depends on timing and opportunity. There are more open positions than usual, so maybe the odds tilt his way this time.
The MLB hiring carousel, though, never really follows a script. Ross still has that itch to manage—he’s made that clear.
Fans in Chicago who liked his style might just spot him back in the dugout soon, ready for whatever comes next.
Would you like me to also provide a short **meta description** for SEO purposes for this blog post? That could help it show up better in search results.
Here is the source article for this story: David Ross Hoping For Another Managerial Opportunity
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s