David Ross gets contract extension with ESPN

David Ross gets contract extension with ESPN


by - Senior Editor -

Unfortunately for Cubs fans, Grandpa Rossy won't be the Cubs bench coach in 2019.

Former Cubs catcher David Ross has reached a contract extension with ESPN for his on-air role with the channel.

“ESPN truly is a family environment and I’m so fortunate to work with great people both on-camera and behind-the-scenes,” Ross said in a statement. “I love the job so much that it hardly feels like work. For instance, last season I had the opportunity to call telecasts ranging from MLB’s Game 163 to the Little League World Series.”

Ross will remain a special assistant with the Cubs.

Currently, the Cubs don't have a bench coach as David Ross and Mark DeRosa were two potential players for the position. However, both guys have prominent roles with television that most people covet.

Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer spoke to the media recently and said that management has talked with Ross about having a more defined role with the team in 2019.

"David Ross's mere presence was helpful to the club," Hoyer said via 670 The Score. "I think the guys trust him. The timing of David Ross being on the team was perfect. Our young guys were 21 and 22 years old. He had a strong influence on them. So when he is around, they gravitate towards him. We could not hire anyone from the outside that good (with) that kind of influence. Having him around is really valuable. I think he will have a big impact."

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