An old favorite has apparently become the new favorite in Chicago.
David Kaplan of ESPN 1000 reports that the Chicago Cubs are expected to hire their former catcher, David Ross, as the team’s new manager as early as Thursday — the first World Series off day.
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
The 42-year-old Ross, who was hired as a special assistant in 2017, would become the Cubs’ youngest manager since Jim Riggleman was hired just weeks prior to his 42nd birthday in 1994. It would also be his first coaching job ever.
“I always have greater comfort hiring for roles in which the person has done the role, but there are ways that can be overcome,” team president Theo Epstein said at the end of the 2019 regular season. “Belief, skills, personal attributes can all outweigh a lack of experience.”
During his playing days, Ross was on two World Series-winning teams — the Boston Red Sox in 2013 and, of course, the Cubs in 2016.
In addition to Ross, the Cubs also interviewed Houston Astros bench coach Joe Espada, former Phillies manager Gabe Kapler, former Yankees manager Joe Girardi and Cubs bench coach Mark Loretta for their manager’s job.
