After the Chicago Cubs were eliminated from postseason contention late in the year, there were some questions whether or not manager David Ross would return in 2024.
Those questions seem to have been put to bed after support by the front office makes it seem like a certainty he'll be back.
But even with the current support Ross has, he could quickly find himself on the hot seat if things don't go well for the Cubs.
"Next year is going to be important. We have real organizational momentum. It’s really important to continue to build on that," President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer told The Athletic. "But, yeah, he’s not a new manager anymore. He’s going into his fifth season."
Ross has the support right now.
That could change if he's viewed as the reason why Chicago doesn't get to the next level.
The infrastructure in place between the coaching staff and front office is a collaborative one. The different parties and individuals work together to put the best product on the field throughout the season.
Ross is going to use these relationships to see where he can improve heading into 2024.
"There’s a long list of areas where I can improve. I’ll sit down and talk with my coaches, talk with the front office. Other people see your shortcomings more than you do. I’ll try to evaluate when I have conversations with others (about) what I can do. Continue to listen to the feedback and grow," he said.
Like Hoyer said though, this will be Ross' fifth season as manager.
He led the Cubs to the postseason during the COVID shortened 2020 season. Then they had two consecutive losing seasons before going 83-79 this year.
His overall record is 262-284 with an 0-2 mark in the playoffs.
That doesn't exactly scream "elite manager."
In fairness to Ross, this past offseason was the first time they put legitimate resources into the free agency market to try and build a contender after being trade deadline sellers previously.
It's clear that this front office and ownership group believes they'll have a playoff roster in 2024.
Ross will need to prove he can manage that group into the postseason or else he will find himself on the hot seat.
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