David Ross, Cubs in 'preliminary talks' about extension

David Ross and the Cubs have “had some preliminary talks” about a contract extension, the manager told NBC Sports Chicago’s Gordon Wittenmyer and other reporters. Ross is taking something of a laid-back approach to the negotiations, saying he is focused on the remaining days of the Cubs’ season, and that “if I’m meant to get extended, I’ll get extended.”

As Wittenmyer notes, there has been an expectation that Ross would indeed get a new deal, following up on the original three-year pact he signed with the team in October 2019. The 2022 season will be the final guaranteed year of that deal, and the Cubs also have an option on Ross’ services for 2023. The nature of the extension talks aren’t yet known, although it could be that the Cubs might simply lock in Ross’ 2023 season now, giving the skipper a bit more security beyond just one remaining guaranteed year.

The Cubs made the postseason in Ross’ first year, posting a 34-26 record before being eliminated by the Marlins in the first round of the expanded 2020 playoff structure. With a 38-27 record back on June 13 of this season, the Wrigleyville crew seemed well on their way to another postseason berth before the wheels completely came off, resulting in a major fire sale of veterans and impending free agents at the trade deadline. The Cubs entered Saturday’s play with a dismal 69-91 record, marking their first losing season since 2014.

Between the pandemic and all of the tumult surrounding the Cubs in particular over the last two years, it is hard to gauge Ross’ share of the blame for Chicago's struggles. Ownership and the front office have seemingly been more concerned with keeping the payroll in check rather than adding big pieces around the Cubs’ former core of talent, leaving Ross with less to work with on the field.

While president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has said Chicago will be “really active in free agency” and “spend money intelligently” this winter, it remains to be seen how much of a push the Cubs will make toward contending in 2022, or if they’ll continue to reload on young talent and keep their spending limited. As such, Ross’ role in the dugout could continue to be more focused around managing and developing younger players rather than being overtly concerned with wins and losses.