The Cubs announced Friday that they’ve signed manager David Ross to a contract extension that runs through the 2024 season and contains a club option for the 2025 campaign. Ross had been set to enter the final guaranteed season of his previous contract (although the team did hold a 2023 club option over him).
The team could have and quite likely did discuss the possibility of a new contract throughout the lockout. Ross told reporters back in October that he and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer had begun some “preliminary” discussions on a new contract. The general expectation throughout the offseason was that a Ross extension was little more than a formality. The organization has been quite happy with Ross’ leadership, even after a losing 2021 season. The Cubs went 71-91 last year, although the July dismantling of the team’s longstanding core played an obvious role in that poor record.
Ross, 45 next week, is entering his third season as the Cubs’ manager. He was plenty familiar with the organization and the front office before ever taking on the role, having spent the final two seasons of his playing career (2015-16) as the Cubs’ backup catcher. Ross garnered the nickname “grandpa” as the team’s elder statesman during those final seasons and earned the respect of many of the players he eventually wound up managing years later.
After last summer’s fire sale, it’s easy to forget that the Cubs not only made the expanded postseason field in 2020 but did so by winning the National League Central with a 34-26 showing. That proved to be another postseason exit for a club that never really developed into the dynasty many expected on the heels of the organization’s 2016 World Series title. Former president of baseball ops Theo Epstein stepped down after the season, giving way to longtime GM Hoyer as the Cubs embark in something of a transitional period.
The current retooling hasn’t resembled the complete teardown the Cubs went through a decade ago. Chicago kicked off its offseason by claiming veteran starter Wade Miley off waivers, and the Cubs have since further fortified their rotation by adding Marcus Stroman on a three-year contract. It’ll still quite likely be a team populated by young and/or inexperienced players, as the team looks toward establishing the nucleus of another perennial contender. Whether that includes another free-agent splash or simply allowing unproven but controllable players the chance to cement their place on the roster (e.g. Nico Hoerner, Frank Schwindel, Adbert Alzolay, etc.), it seems the front office and ownership are in agreement that Ross’ voice is the steadying presence they’d like to shepherd the group as the roster turns over from the Kris Bryant/Javier Baez/Anthony Rizzo era.
LOL couldn’t they have done this during the lockout?
He’s still in the player’s union.
Oh well. I don’t think the Cubs are winning this year regardless.
48 – That’s the beauty of another bizarre BB season. Who knows where this shoppers delight FA will take us? Cubs can actually be considered, before the first game is cast, as actual contenders. People went crazy over Beanie Babys, they’re going to go crazy over FA. Put your helmet & protective glasses on, FA frenzy is about to hit the fan!!!!
Contenders for what exactly? They may win 70 games, but even a wild card is a stretch.
Is your crystal ball cloudy? What does your ouija board say? Have you tossed chicken bones?
Before the first game, every team has a chance.
After all the injuries in 2021, who will come on top?
Rodon Kershaw correra away from winning division
Cubs would do better with Robin Ventura!
Cubs currently 5th to last odds to win WS! Haha!
Sox tied with Mets for 3/4th best odds to win! That’s without a new 2B or RF or another SP!
What do the Sox have to do with this?
Does Jerry want to spend any more money or is it dumpster diving time?
And you’ll bow out of the first round of the playoffs as usual. At least we know we are a few years away from contending. I think I’d be more worried on relying on Keushel and Kopech in your rotation and then having to replace Rodon. Come back and talk your crap in October, troll boy.
They probably did. But chose to announce it after the agreement on the new CBA
Yawn.
Wow, you dug down deep for that one didn’t you
i’m confused, this isn’t correa to the orioles?
Albuquerque Desert Dogs
I’ll go on record as believing that Hoyer has no intention of spending that type of money on Correa. Boros is starting those rumors to drive up bidding. Now, IF Correa wants to discuss a one or two year pillow contract, that’s a different discussion.
Things are really heating up!
Can we sign some free agents already please???
What’s entertaining about that? I rather watch the games.
Condensed “hot stove” as there are no games yet
Meh. As a Cubs fan, I must say I was not overly impressed with Rossy’s handling of the pitching staff nor his willingness to discipline players when they deserved it. Maybe trading away his buddies will make his job easier going forward. Yet as much as I enjoy him as a person and what he did in 2016, I don’t know if he’s a good manager. Jed Hoyer is certainly convinced, however, and that’s what matters I guess.
I like Ross. Deserves the extension.
What? He’s horrible. Works cheap. The Ricketts way
Bring back Mike Borzello
Good, totally deserves it.
Nice!
I’m seeing a theme in the Top Stories…but I’m questioning their timeliness…
Phil Hughes Announces Retirement
Phillies Claim Jared Hughes
Padres Acquire Phil Hughes
Twins Designate Phil Hughes
Twins Extend Phil Hughes
The sunset has different hues…..
Blues Clues?
Hues Clues??
Why are all the recent posts about Jared and Phil Hughes?
Congrats Boss Ross!
WHERES THE F’ING TRADES AND SIGNINGS LEBOWSKI!?!?!?
I’ve always liked Ross, seems like a good guy, and even though he’s managing one of my team’s division rivals, good for him.
Congrats Ross!! Good call Cubs. Ross is a good manager.
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the highest entertainment level), rate the potential entertainment level of a Cubs/Rangers World Series.
10 if Clayton Chokeshaw is there.
1.5
CANCEL THE SEASON, OWNERS!
What do you think? Should he be my first mute? I actually signed up to reply to this troll. I’m conflicted.
The ONLY problem with mute is that when you mute one person you lose the chain not only the muted but I will take my chances….never again do I have to scroll past the voice. Muted.
I guess I’ll be a glutton for punishment and watch the pathetic depths he descends to.
@DonnyDownvote
Don’t mute him. Create your own burners so you can even the playing field.
Thanks, but too much work.
I’m making them my first mute!
I’m the only one in our entire family who hasn’t muted him.
Cubbies are toast. Signed- Padres Fan.
Awful move. Terrible manager.
Now they need 1 more SP, CL extend Contreras and maybe one of Soler, Schwarber and maybe even Nelson Cruz
Ross needs at least 4 years to develop a winner given they dismantled the WS core. They’re not going to spend like it’s 2016 this year anyway. I don’t want Correa and his 300 million albatross contract. Develop and draft better. They have some good young talent no matter what that idiot Callis and his friends say. They’re morons.