Cubs catcher David Ross said yesterday that he’s likely to retire after the coming season in an appearance on MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM (Twitter link). The veteran is entering the second and final season of the two-year, $5MM free agent deal he signed to join the Chicago organization.
“I think this is probably going to be it for me,” said Ross. He explained that he’s “going to give it one more run” but that it’s “time to be a dad” thereafter.
Ross, 38, is entering his 15th season of MLB action and has long been one of the game’s best-respected back-up backstops. Though he has only taken more than 200 plate appearances in a season twice in his career — over 2006 and 2007 with the Reds — Ross has seen regular reserve duty (between 100 and 200 PA) in every season dating back to 2003.
At his best, Ross has presented a reliable on-base threat with good pop. While he had several such individual seasons, his best multi-year stretch was with the Braves between 2009 and 2013. Over those four years, Ross slashed a robust .269/.353/.463 and joined Brian McCann to make up one of the league’s best catcher pairings. Of course, the veteran is also a gifted defender who still rates as an outstanding pitch framer even as his offensive production has fallen off.
Ross is a well-traveled player, though the “journeyman” tag does not fit here given his consistent playing time and many multi-season stops. In addition to the clubs mentioned above, Ross played for the World Series champion Red Sox in 2013, his first of two seasons in Boston, opened his career with the Dodgers, and had briefer stints with the Pirates and Padres.
It remains to be seen whether Ross will ultimately consider another campaign beyond 2016. As things stand, though, it appears that he’ll enjoy one more season with an exciting, young Cubs team before hanging up his gear.
But…but who will catch Jon Lester?!?!
Ha, too funny. As a Bosox fan, I thought it was kinda weird that Ross trailed Lester to Chicago. I suppose Jon will need to find a new caddy.
Ross seems like a good dude, though. He’s pretty well thought of throughout the game.
By next year he will learn to throw to 1st base so Scwaber and Contraras will be the future of the shuffling Cubs get used to players not being bored with one position. That the new trend in baseball we’ll call it the Zoberst affect or the Maddon madness / it works
Or, if you’re old enough to remember, like me,Casey’s Cause, as in Casey Candell.( I think that’s how it was spelled. It’s been a while.) Another note about Casey : His mom, who played softball, was the one who taught him. Not dad.
How long do you think it will take for him to become a manager? I’d give it a year at most…
I thought the same thing
Kind of reminds me of Henry Blanco.
Reminds me of “the dude” in Big Lebowski.
He’s a solid compliment to any team, that has Jon Lester on it.
One of those guys that you’ve gotta thing stands a good chance at a managerial gig down the road if that’s something he decides to pursue.
if he retires after this season he won’t play in 2016
2016 is “this season” now. That’s why anyone that was only under contract through 2015, is now a free agent. The 2015 season is over.
Not sure it’s much worth discussing the semantics, but I tweaked it.
His bat retired last year
Actually, his bat retired after he left Atlanta.
Ross is a class act, guys. No reason to knock him. It will take some time and experience for him to become a manager, but I’m betting he gets a coaching job as soon as he wants it. Good chance it will be with the Cubs. Probably start out as a team’s catching coach and move up to a bench coach job before he gets a manager job.
Premonition…David Ross retires and is instantly offered 20 different bench-coach jobs….
At this point the Dodgers might still be looking for a manager when he retires
He played for Boston down the stretch in 08 too. What a great guy. I bet he will be coaching once his kids get older.
There his coaching future
Thanks Ross you where better than I gave you credit for you can’t hit . And we gave up the best combo lefty – righty with Wellington and Montereo . Your Defense was out standing and good man for the kids to see your excitement. Every game for a gimpy old man. But come July Wilson Contervas need to be there . Next year I can see a bullpen coaching job in your future w/Cubs maybe Manager in 3-4 years. For a American League team
Ross had a good run in Cincy. The one that REALLy got away,though, was Paul Konerko. He was in Cincinnati a short time, sadly .
Must’ve been a slow news day. Winter meetings need to get here ASAP.