First-place Cubs gives David Ross strong case to be NL Manager of the Year

Don’t look now, but Chicago Cubs skipper David Ross is your early front-runner for National League Manager of the Year.

After an incredible May on the North Side, Chicago Cubs skipper David Ross should have his name atop of your list for National League Manager of the Year.

For as good as Chicago’s May was, April could not have been rougher. This time a month ago, everyone was talking about the Cubs selling off star players like Javy Baez and Kris Bryant. Well, it is amazing what one month can do. After going 19-8 in May, the Cubs are 30-23 on the year, winners in eight of their last 10 games and hold a half-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals for first place in the NL Central.

Two months in, Ross has to be the early favorite to win National League Manager of the Year.

David Ross is a big reason behind why the Chicago Cubs are in first place

Think about what the Cubs had to overcome this offseason. The front office traded Yu Darvish to the contending San Diego Padres in addition to letting Jon Lester and Kyle Schwarber walk in free agency.

The Cubs have had to overcome a rash of injuries with one player after another seemingly going down for extended time, but have been buoyed by Bryant’s return to MVP form and a surging bullpen that is one of the best in MLB.

Time will tell if the Cubs will be a factor in the postseason. What we do know is Ross’ Cubs have played well enough in May for them to no longer be sellers ahead of the 2021 MLB trade deadline.

If you are not buying into what Ross is doing with the 2021 Cubs, you need to pay attention now.