Story by
Seattle Mariners: One Managerial Candidate We Haven't Thought Much About
- Story by
- Seattle Mariners: One Managerial Candidate We Haven't Thought Much About
Brady Farkas and Buster Olney of ESPN speak on 'Refuse to Lose Territory.' Subscribe on YouTube.
So far, a lot of names have been bandied about for the vacant Seattle Mariners managerial position.
Advertisement
There are known former skippers like Brandon Hyde and Rocco Baldelli. There are fast rising assistants, including Kristopher Negron, who previously coached with the Mariners for a number of years.
There was a thought that Torey Lovullo was the leader in the clubhouse until he re-upped with Arizona on Thursday afternoon.
But there is one name that isn't getting enough attention right now and that's David Ross, the former manager of the Chicago Cubs .
For the record, he was mentioned to us on Thursday's edition of the 'Refuse to Lose Territory' podcast by ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney.
Advertisement
Here's what you need to know and think about:
The David Ross file
Now 49 years old, Ross was a 15-year veteran of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox , Atlanta Braves and Cubs. A catcher, he was mostly a backup player, but his strong game understanding and clubhouse presence certainly helped him stick around.
He won World Series titles with the 2013 Red Sox and the 2016 Cubs, getting named as the Cubs manager in 2020, just four years after he retired.
With the Cubs, he went 262-284 over four seasons, and he only made the playoffs one time, which came in the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
Advertisement
He's currently working for ESPN on game broadcasts, where he works with Olney.
What would be the positives?
1) He's done the job before, which is something that Jerry Dipoto said the M's would value in a candidate.
2) Through his work at ESPN, he's stayed in tune with the way the game has evolved over the last few years. If you think its hard to go from ESPN to the broadcast booth, understand that both Aaron Boone (Yankees) and Alex Cora (Red Sox) did the same thing. Both of them made a World Series in those cities. Cora won in 2018.
3) Known as a good clubhouse presence and an effective communicator, Ross could be just what the Mariners need for their ailing accountability woes.
Advertisement
4) It's fair to point out the Cubs aged fast and broke apart quickly. Anthony Rizzo was traded to the Yankees in 2021, while Javier Baez was dealt to the New York Mets and Kris Bryant was dealt to the San Francisco Giants. The 2022 Cubs were a team in transition and Ross had the group to a respectable 83-79 in 2023 before being let go in favor of Craig Counsell. He clearly was able to turn around an organization when given time.
Chicago Cubs manager David Ross looks on from the dugout during game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
What would be the negatives?
1) Well, the Mariners are coming off a disappointing 76-86 season and they need to hit the ground running right away in 2027. Do they have the time for Ross to re-learn the job on the fly?
Advertisement
2) Ross is set to be 50 years old next season. He's certainly not old, but he's certainly not the "young and innovative" voice that some fans are hoping for.
The timing of it all
The Mariners have said they will run an exhaustive search to find the right hire, so there is no timeline on this hire. However, if they act quick, they may be able to get the best possible candidate. Remember, the M's have several coaching positions to fill as well.
