The Chicago Cubs’ 2023 season concluded on a disheartening note, leaving fans and the organization with a sense of disappointment. A season that once held playoff aspirations ended with the Cubs falling short, marking their third consecutive absence from the MLB Playoffs.
This disappointing outcome has understandably raised questions about potential changes within the organization during the upcoming offseason. However, one change that doesn’t appear to be on the horizon is the replacement of manager David Ross.
Chairman Tom Ricketts appears to have unwavering faith in Ross’s leadership abilities and his fit for the managerial role. Ricketts expressed his confidence in Ross, highlighting the positive aspects of his performance during the season.
“I think Ross had a great season, and the players played hard for him. He’s our guy. I like him a lot, and I think he had a good year,” Ricketts emphasized during an interview with Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic.
Chairman Tom Ricketts Expresses Confidence in Ross’s Leadership
Despite the late-season stumble that drew criticism, it’s important to acknowledge the remarkable turnaround orchestrated by Ross and the team. Such a resurgence is a testament to Ross’s managerial acumen and his ability to motivate and guide his players effectively.
Ricketts elaborated on what makes Ross an exceptional manager, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a clubhouse culture capable of withstanding the intense scrutiny of a 162-game season.
“In terms of getting players comfortable and getting them motivated, I don’t know that there’s anyone better than David,” Ricketts added.
While some may advocate for sweeping changes after a near-miss with the playoffs, Ricketts seems to favor a more measured approach focused on consistency. He believes that building a team capable of reaching the playoffs consistently relies on identifying and retaining valuable players, securing core extensions, and complementing the roster with both homegrown talent and occasional free-agent signings.
As the organization gears up for the 2024 season, it appears that the Cubs’ strategy will continue to revolve around this model of consistency. Whether this approach remains unchanged in the face of the offseason remains to be seen, but at present, all indications suggest that David Ross will return as the team’s manager.
