Which Chicago Cubs benefit the most from the Ross hire?

Now that David Ross is unofficially next Chicago Cubs manager, it makes sense to expect some players to be very excited and primed for a monster 2020.

With the departure of Joe Maddon and the void left by the vacancy of the big chair in the manager’s office, the franchise was in a holding pattern that saw players, team employees and even fans in a state of angsty flux over who the next manager would be. With reports coming in that David Ross will be hired as manager, the Chicago Cubs have positioned themselves and their fans on solid, albeit comfortable ground.

That being said, the hire of Ross will no doubt be seen by some as more of the “winner’s trap” mentality of the last couple seasons. One of the reasons that idea might be foolish, however, is the notion that the rapport Ross already has with many Cubs could lead them to be more focused and productive. This is not disrespect to newly departed manager Joe Maddon, but more a feather in the cap of a guy who garnered respect and love in the clubhouse as a player.

“Grandpa Rossy” will have a positive impact on many of the players currently with the Cubs, so much so that many might even have career years with the transition to Ross in the big chair. On the flipside, personalities or players Ross didn’t see eye-to-eye with may find themselves being shopped or jettisoned by the team in an attempt to recreate the winning formula and clubhouse chemistry that served the 2016 Cubs so well.

Chicago Cubs: You’d expect one or both of these guys to be pretty psyched

The first group of players who have to be pretty gung-ho about Ross taking over is the catchers as a unit. Ross was a catcher during his playing days and played with Willson Contreras during his rookie season in 2016. Contreras has always been an explosive player on the offensive side, but his defensive metrics improved a bit in 2019 when he was healthy and on the field.

If Ross and the front office like what they saw from Contreras, there could be reason to believe that the two-time All-Star could have another great season and take the next jump forward as the best all-around catcher in the game. He would also need to stay healthy as well, but maybe his rotation and usage behind the plate is something to keep an eye on once Ross takes over.

That being said, Contreras may not be part of the equation going forward if the front office and Ross aren’t smitten with the passionate Venezuelan backstop as the man. If they’d rather use Contreras in a blockbuster trade, he would certainly have a ton of value.

Ross could prefer the backup from 2018 and 2019, Victor Caratini, whose offense and defense are seen as productive and positives. Caratini had some hot stretches in 2019 at the plate and his pitch framing has been superior to Contreras.

Even if no one is moved in a trade and the Cubs go with both guys as a tandem again in 2019, you’d have to think the catchers would benefit the most from a great modern leader, pitch caller, framer, and teammate as their new manager.

Chicago Cubs: Team Bryzzo back in action

David Ross had a great relationship and rapport with core members of the Cubs, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo. Heck, Ross even played the dopey intern getting them coffee in their famous Bryzzo Souvenir Co. ads. Now that Ross is back in the picture on a regular basis, the relationship Ross built with Rizzo and Bryant might have some unforeseen and positive benefits.

First off, the chemistry and leadership has been a question of sorts the past couple years with the Cubs disappointing seasons since their World Series. With Ross back, does Rizzo take the reins full force and feel comfortable in his leadership role? Does Kris Bryant come to the forefront as a team leader with the confidence inspired by a guy who took him under his wing a few years ago?

Rizzo has been seen by fans and the media as the Cubs leader in the last few years, but the Cubs have still made it a point to get guys like Daniel Descalso for their “off-field” production and benefits. Now that Ben Zobrist is no longer with the team (unless he is re-signed of course), and Ross is in the dugout again, does that make Rizzo and Bryant, or even a guy like Jason Heyward the clear-cut leaders of the team?

Add in his constant production, dependability, and playing through injury this past September, and maybe it equals a more unified and chemically-balanced clubhouse that produces one-run wins instead of one-run losses.