As Cubs return to the playoffs, David Ross wants another shot as a big-league manager

David Ross, shocked by his sudden Cubs firing after sleeping early the night before, is again seeking a managerial role. For bettors, this could prompt early action in managerial markets and slight adjustments to win-total and futures odds for teams linked to Ross; value may exist on rebuilding clubs where his player-development reputation could outperform market expectations.

David Ross: From Sudden Dismissal to Hungry for a Return

David Ross said he went to bed early the night before Cubs president Jed Hoyer arrived at his home to inform him he was fired. The former backup catcher-turned-manager, who was carried off the field after Chicago’s 2016 World Series win, was stunned by the move that cleared the way for Craig Counsell’s five-year deal with the Cubs. Now 48 and determined, Ross says he wants back into managing “badly” and is preparing to re-enter a crowded MLB managerial market.

How the Firing Unfolded

Ross said he woke to missed calls from Hoyer the morning of Nov. 6, 2023, expecting routine work calls and a Zoom meeting with his coaches. Instead, Hoyer told him he was at Ross’s front door. Ross initially suspected the call was about other business; instead it ended his four-season run as Cubs manager. His overall record with Chicago was 262-284 across a stretch that included a pandemic-shortened campaign and a multi-year rebuild.

Reaction and Perspective

Ross described the dismissal as “blindsided” and admitted the way it happened “sucked,” but he also tempered frustration with gratitude for the opportunity the Cubs gave him. He called Counsell shortly after learning he’d been replaced and reflected on differing perspectives, acknowledging Counsell’s lucrative contract and the realities of front-office decision-making. Ross said the ending left “a little bit of emptiness” and unfinished business.

Track Record and What He Learned

As a first-time manager only three years removed from playing, Ross focused heavily on players and coaching staff dynamics. He admits now he might have been too emotionally invested at times — openly challenging umpires more than he intended — and that he underestimated the need to cultivate relationships with the front office. He says he would change his approach in a future role, balancing player advocacy with clearer communication up the organizational ladder.

Managing Style and Development Strengths

Ross is respected for his rapport with players and his willingness to embrace rebuilding projects. He emphasizes player development and felt fulfillment guiding young talent during Chicago’s rebuild. That experience positions him as an attractive candidate for clubs looking to develop prospects and stabilize culture while rebuilding.

The Broader Managerial Market

Multiple managerial openings already exist, and more could appear as teams evaluate interim managers and offseason directions. Teams with vacancies include franchises that want immediate contenders and those entering multi-year rebuilds. Ross and several other recently dismissed managers say they are open to opportunities across that spectrum.

Where Ross Fits

Ross said he’s willing to consider any job and has previously declined bench-coach roles when timing and family considerations didn’t align. He finds value in both rebuilding and contending situations, but his profile — a manager who developed young players and navigated a rebuild — makes him a fit for clubs prioritizing player development and culture.

Betting Market Implications

Ross’s availability can influence betting markets in a few ways. Sportsbooks typically post odds on the next manager hires for teams and adjust futures and win-total lines when new hires are announced. If Ross is linked to a vacancy, expect early odds shifts: slight improvements in win-total projections for teams with strong young cores, and movement in managerial futures markets. Sharp bettors may find value on under-the-radar teams where Ross’s player-development strengths could translate to faster-than-expected improvement.

Looking Ahead

Ross says the itch to manage remains. He’s taken time to be with family and weigh options, but the way his stint with the Cubs ended fuels his desire to return. For clubs prioritizing culture and development, and for bettors tracking managerial markets and season futures, Ross is a name to watch in the coming hiring cycle.

Two years after the Cubs fired him to hire Craig Counsell, Ross "badly" wants to manage again. "It’s an itch that hasn’t gone away."

Theathleticuk