The Chicago Cubs appear to be close to naming a manager to replace Joe Maddon, who departed at season's end. It appears that the new manager will be a former Cubs catcher. However, it appears it will not be former Cubs catcher Joe Girardi, who remains a candidate for positions with the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs.
According to David Kaplan of NBC Sports Chicago, the new Cubs manager will be David Ross:
Highly placed source has confirmed to me David Ross is expected to be named Cubs manager this week. His agent has been discussing contractual terms with Theo Epstein. Deal is almost done. More on @ESPN1000 at 9 am. On @NBCSChicago + https://t.co/VqUFW8rK8r throughout the day.
— David Kaplan (@thekapman) October 23, 2019
The Cubs will not likely make an announcement until tomorrow, an off day in the World Series.
The Cubs considered a number of potential managers, including former Phillies manager Gabe Kapler, Girardi, and Joe Espada, currently the bench coach of the Houston Astros. Internal candidates included Ross, a special adviser to the club, and coaches Mark Loretta and Will Venable.
The news could be good for the Phillies, who reportedly have Girardi as their top choice. Girardi interviewed for a second time for the open New York Mets vacancy yesterday. The Mets will interview candidates throughout the week.
What could that mean for the Phillies, who by many accounts could name a manager as soon as tomorrow? Maybe they are able to work out a deal with Girardi before the Mets finish interviews. With the Chicago Cubs out of contention, it could come a little bit easier for them.
