Report: Cubs manager job is David Ross’ to lose

The Chicago Cubs may have the best managerial position available this offseason, and it seems they might be leaning toward giving it to a first-timer.

The Cubs have spoken to several in-house candidates like Mark Loretta and Will Venable, as well as ex-managers such as Joe Girardi and Gabe Kapler. However, they are seen as less likely to land the job compared with David Ross. According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, industry sources believe the Cubs’ job is “Ross’ to lose.”

The biggest thing working in Ross’ favor, according to Rogers, is his willingness to hold players accountable. A sense developed in 2019 that the Cubs became mistake-prone, and manager Joe Maddon wasn’t aggressive enough in calling it out. The Cubs also felt that they didn’t have the type of veteran personalities in the clubhouse who would do so for him. Ross was willing to do so as a player, and that is regarded as a positive. That’s in contrast to Girardi, who may not have the right attributes the Cubs want despite a more impressive resume.

Ross would be a risk. He has no coaching experience, though he knows the Cubs well from his playing days and has served as a special assistant since his retirement after the 2016 season. He certainly seems to want the job, and it sounds like the Cubs might be leaning toward giving it to him.