MLB Rumors: Yankees Eye David Ross for Bench Job, Ex-Cubs Manager Prefers Skipper Job

The New York Yankees reportedly have interest in bringing aboard former Chicago Cubs manager David Ross to join Aaron Boone's staff, though the interest apparently isn't mutual at this time.

According to Ken Rosenthal and Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, "The Yankees indeed approached Ross about replacing [former bench coach Carlos Mendoza], who will be the New York Mets' new manager. But according to league sources who were granted anonymity in exchange for their candor, Ross would prefer to manage if he immediately jumps back into a uniformed position."

Per that report, it is "unclear" if Ross is a candidate for the remaining managerial vacancies in Milwaukee and San Diego.

The 46-year-old spent four seasons as Chicago's manager, compiling a 262-284 record and just one playoff berth (and no postseason wins). The Cubs missed out on the final postseason berth in the National League this past season by just one game, going 1-5 in the final week of the season to seal their fate.

He was replaced by former Milwaukee Brewers' manager Craig Counsell.

The team that instead clinched the final berth, the Arizona Diamondbacks, eventually reached the World Series, losing in five games to the Texas Rangers.

Before becoming the team's manager in 2020, Ross spent 15 years in Major League Baseball as a catcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2002-04), Pittsburgh Pirates (2005), San Diego Padres (2005), Cincinnati Reds (2006-08), Boston Red Sox (2008, 2013-14), Atlanta Braves (2009-12) and the Cubs (2015-16), hitting .229 for his career with 106 homers and 314 RBI.

He largely served as a backup catcher in his career and won two World Series titles.

As for New York's vacancy at bench coach, the team is "contemplating other candidates," per Rosenthal and Kuty, including former Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels manager Brad Ausmus and current San Francisco Giants pitching coach Andrew Bailey.

Per that report, "Another option for the Yankees is to move Luis Rojas, the former Mets' manager, from third base coach to bench coach, and hire a new third-base coach."