David Ross: Returning to Braves 'Would Be Amazing'

While no formal interviews have been announced yet for the Atlanta Braves’ vacant manager position, David Ross is on the short list of names most believe will get consideration.

The former Cubs manager was shockingly relieved of his duties following the 2023 season when Chicago announced they were hiring Craig Counsell away from the Milwaukee Brewers — a move you almost never see in Major League Baseball. Ross finished with a 262-284 record and one playoff appearance. It’s not the most impressive résumé, but the Cubs were mostly rebuilding during his tenure and were coming off their best full season under Ross’ guidance, winning 83 games.

The plan was never to fire Ross, Cubs president Jed Hoyer revealed, but the opportunity to go after Counsell, who was having so much success for a division rival, was too great to pass up.

“I really enjoyed working with David. I thought he did a good job,” Hoyer told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. “He certainly was coming back the next year, but for the chance we had to get Craig, I felt it was the right thing and something we needed to do. But David is a good manager and absolutely should get another chance given his performance with us.”

Ross’ experience as a manager, along with his four years spent with the Braves, make him an obvious fit for the opening in Atlanta — an opportunity he would love to have.

“Obviously, Atlanta would be amazing, but there’s nothing to really elaborate on,” Ross said. “I don’t want to talk about something that doesn’t have any legs yet. Hopefully, my name pops up, but we will wait and see on that.”

After not receiving any consideration for openings last offseason, Ross has made it crystal clear he wants to return to the dugout in 2026. Perhaps it will be a familiar one, even if the Braves have switched stadiums since Ross was donning a tomahawk across his chest from 2009–2012.