The Chicago Cubs are committing their future to an integral piece of their dugout and clubhouse, manager David Ross, with a contract extension.
According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, the “Cubs extend David Ross through 2024 with an option for 2025.”
Cubs extend David Ross through 2024 with an option for 2025.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) March 11, 2022
That makes Ross the skipper of a traditional MLB franchise, one that he has shown he can lead in the past couple of years, for at least three more seasons, with an option for another one.
Of course, results will ultimately tell if Ross will spend the whole duration of his contract in Chicago, but it’s a nice way to send a message, not only to the fans, but also for the rest of the league.
That message is that the Cubs are putting their trust in Ross’ project, and everyone in the organization will be aligned to reach the same goal: return to being a highly competitive franchise.
The Cubs Are Trying To Return To Contention
The Cubs’ roster suffered several changes in the last year, as most of the core that won the 2016 World Series is now gone.
In fact, the majority of those players (Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, and others) were traded prior to last year’s deadline, and predictably, the Cubs’ performance dipped.
That’s hardly Ross’ fault, and the front office was smart enough to recognize this, learn from past mistakes, and start building a contender.
They picked up Clint Frazier for cheap, and signed rotation stalwarts Wade Miley and Marcus Stroman.
They are reportedly not done bringing in talent.
Ross, who won the division in the short 2020 season and finished with a 71-91 record under last year’s circumstances, will probably have his first big test: showing he can compete with improved resources.
NEXT: Marcus Stroman Is Trying To Recruit Carlos Correa To The Cubs