LEAKED: Will Legendary David Ross Return to the Chicago Cubs as the New Batting Coach?
For weeks, rumors have been swirling around Wrigleyville. Now, with multiple inside reports and whispers from sources close to the team, the question echoing through Chicago is this: Is David Ross coming back to the Cubs — this time as the batting coach?
It’s a storyline that seems straight out of baseball mythology. David Ross, the beloved former catcher and manager who led the Chicago Cubs to their historic 2016 World Series victory, may soon return to the franchise that defined the peak of his baseball life. But could his return mark the beginning of a new era, or a nostalgic throwback to glory days that can never truly be recreated?
A Familiar Face in a New Role
David Ross is no stranger to the pressures and politics of the Chicago Cubs organization. After serving as the team’s manager from 2020 through 2023, Ross’s tenure ended abruptly when the Cubs opted to replace him with Craig Counsell in one of the most stunning managerial shakeups in recent memory. The decision blindsided both fans and insiders, and left Ross momentarily adrift — a man without a dugout, despite a career steeped in leadership and loyalty.
Since then, Ross has remained visible within Major League Baseball circles. He’s appeared as a broadcaster, taken part in training camps, and stayed close with several players from his managerial days. His deep understanding of clubhouse dynamics and his easy rapport with players have made him a respected voice in baseball discussions. But beneath the polished appearances and commentary gigs, Ross has reportedly been itching to get back into the game — on the field, in the trenches, where he thrives.
Now, with the Cubs’ offensive inconsistency throughout the 2025 season, whispers of a coaching change have grown louder. Several sources suggest that the team’s front office has been in quiet talks with Ross about a possible reunion, this time in a specialized role focused on hitting development and clubhouse chemistry.
Why the Cubs Need Ross Now More Than Ever
The 2025 Chicago Cubs have shown flashes of brilliance but struggled to sustain momentum at the plate. Despite boasting a talented lineup, the team has ranked in the lower half of the National League in batting average and on-base percentage. The inconsistency has frustrated fans who expected a more potent offensive machine.
Insiders claim the Cubs’ leadership is looking for a “stabilizing force” — someone who can bring both technical knowledge and emotional leadership to a young roster. That description fits David Ross perfectly.
Ross is widely credited with being a “player’s manager” during his managerial years — firm when needed, but deeply empathetic and communicative. His approach to coaching has always emphasized mental toughness, teamwork, and confidence at the plate — traits that seem to be missing in the current Cubs lineup. A return as batting coach would give Ross the opportunity to focus on what he does best: motivating players and bringing out their full potential.
A Second Chance for Redemption
For Ross, this potential return is more than just another job. It’s a chance for redemption.
When the Cubs dismissed him in favor of Counsell, many fans felt the move was unnecessarily harsh. Ross had led the team through an unprecedented period of transition, developing young talent while keeping the clubhouse culture intact. While he didn’t deliver a postseason run in 2023, his managerial record wasn’t disastrous — and many insiders believe he was made the scapegoat for larger front-office frustrations.
“Rossy got dealt a tough hand,” said one former Cubs player who spoke anonymously. “He had a young roster, some key injuries, and a front office that expected instant results. But the guys loved playing for him. If he comes back, even as a hitting coach, it’ll fire up that clubhouse.”
A coaching comeback could allow Ross to rebuild his reputation and reconnect with a fan base that still adores him. It also positions him for future managerial opportunities — either with the Cubs or elsewhere — if he proves his ability to improve player performance.
The Emotional Pull of Wrigley Field
There’s something poetic about Ross potentially returning to Wrigley Field. The ivy-covered walls, the echo of the crowd singing “Go Cubs Go,” the history — it’s all deeply intertwined with his identity.
Ross was a central figure in one of baseball’s greatest redemption stories: the Cubs breaking their 108-year World Series curse. His leadership in the clubhouse and his dramatic Game 7 home run in 2016 earned him a permanent place in Chicago sports lore. His nickname, “Grandpa Rossy,” became a symbol of mentorship, grit, and good humor — qualities that resonate with the city’s blue-collar spirit.
If the rumors prove true, Ross’s return would be more than a baseball move — it would be an emotional reunion between a city and one of its favorite sons. For fans, it would offer a sense of continuity and nostalgia, a reminder of what once was, and perhaps a hint of what could be again.
Behind the Scenes: What We Know So Far
According to sources within the Cubs’ organization, discussions about Ross’s potential role are still “in the exploratory phase.” The front office is reportedly evaluating multiple candidates for the hitting coach position but sees Ross as a strong cultural fit. He already knows the staff, understands the organization’s philosophy, and maintains close ties with key players.
A major consideration will be how Ross and current manager Craig Counsell could coexist. While Counsell is known for his analytical approach and calm demeanor, Ross is more emotional and player-oriented. That contrast could be either a perfect balance — or a combustible mix, depending on how both men navigate the hierarchy.
Still, those who know Ross say he’s more than capable of working within a team. “He’s got no ego about titles,” one league insider said. “He just wants to win and help players get better.”
The Fans’ Reaction
Among Cubs fans, the idea of Ross’s return has sparked a lively debate. On social media and fan forums, opinions are divided between those who see it as a feel-good reunion and those who fear it’s a step backward.
“Bring back Rossy! He’s family,” one fan wrote on X. “He knows these players and bleeds Cubs blue.”
Others, however, urge caution. “Love Ross as a person, but the team needs fresh ideas, not nostalgia,” another fan argued. “We can’t live in 2016 forever.”
The truth probably lies somewhere in between. While nostalgia alone can’t win games, Ross’s baseball IQ, leadership, and ability to connect with players make him a valuable asset in any capacity. For a team searching for offensive identity, his presence could make a real difference.
What Happens Next?
The Cubs are expected to make an official announcement regarding their coaching staff within the next few weeks. If the rumors prove accurate, David Ross could once again don the Cubs uniform — not as the face of the franchise, but as one of the architects behind the scenes.
And perhaps that’s exactly where he belongs right now. Not in the spotlight, but in the dugout, working quietly, helping young hitters find their swing — the same way he once helped a city rediscover its love for the game.
Because if there’s one thing Chicago knows, it’s this: legends never really leave. They just find new ways to come home.