The New York Mets could be preparing for another major change in the dugout, with former Chicago Cubs manager David Ross emerging as a potential candidate to replace interim manager Andy Green. After a season that has fallen dramatically short of expectations, the Mets are expected to evaluate the entire structure of their baseball operation, including whether Green should remain in charge beyond the 2026 campaign. Ross’ previous experience managing in the majors, his championship background and his familiarity with Green could make him an intriguing option for New York.
The Mets entered the season with significant expectations after making several notable moves during the offseason. Instead of turning those additions into sustained success, however, the club endured a difficult campaign and eventually found itself among baseball’s struggling teams. The disappointing results eventually led to a managerial change when Carlos Mendoza was dismissed during the season.
Green was subsequently elevated to interim manager with the responsibility of guiding the team through the remainder of the year. His familiarity with the organization and previous experience on a major-league coaching staff made him a logical short-term choice, but his appointment was never viewed as a guarantee that he would receive the permanent position. The Mets are now expected to examine a wider group of candidates as they attempt to determine what kind of manager can help stabilize the club.
The managerial uncertainty comes alongside continued debate surrounding president of baseball operations David Stearns. Some Mets fans have grown increasingly frustrated with the direction of the organization and have questioned whether changes should extend beyond the manager’s office. Owner Steve Cohen, however, has publicly indicated that Stearns remains part of his plans and has pushed back against the idea that the baseball operations president is in immediate danger of losing his position.
Cohen has pointed to the organization’s recent history as part of his reasoning, noting that Stearns has not been in the position long enough for the ownership group to make a definitive judgment based solely on the current season. He also referenced the Mets’ previous success under the current front-office structure, including the club’s near-World Series run in 2024. That suggests the organization could instead focus on making adjustments around Stearns rather than replacing him.
That is where Ross could become an interesting possibility.
ESPN’s Buster Olney identified the former Cubs manager as a potential fit if Stearns decides that the Mets need someone with established major-league managerial experience. Ross already has a history of running a clubhouse at the highest level, having managed Chicago for several seasons. His experience would give the Mets a candidate who understands the day-to-day responsibilities of managing a major-league roster, handling a pitching staff, navigating player personalities and dealing with the pressure that comes with managing in a major market.
Ross also has an important connection to the Mets’ current interim manager. Andy Green served as Ross’ bench coach with the Cubs, meaning the two already have experience working together. That familiarity could give Ross an understanding of the organizational and coaching dynamics Green has operated within, while also potentially making the transition easier if the Mets ultimately decide to move in that direction.
Ross’ own playing career would also bring considerable credibility into a Mets clubhouse. Before becoming a manager, he was a veteran catcher who spent years working with major-league pitching staffs and handling the responsibilities that come with one of baseball’s most demanding positions. Most notably, he won two World Series championships during his playing career, giving him firsthand experience with postseason pressure and championship-level clubhouses.
His managerial tenure with Chicago was not without challenges, but Ross did guide the Cubs to the postseason. That experience could be particularly valuable for a Mets organization trying to build consistency after a season in which expectations and results moved in opposite directions.
The potential appeal of Ross would therefore go beyond his résumé. New York could be searching for a manager capable of bringing stability to a clubhouse that has experienced considerable change. A manager with previous experience in a major market may also be better prepared for the level of media attention and fan scrutiny that comes with the Mets job.
Ross has also remained outside the major-league managerial ranks since leaving Chicago, making a return to the dugout potentially attractive. His supporters have argued that his departure from the Cubs did not necessarily reflect his long-term managerial potential, and another opportunity could give him a chance to demonstrate what he learned from his first experience in the role.
For the Mets, the central question will be what qualities Stearns wants from the next permanent manager. If the priority is continuity, the organization could consider retaining Green. If the goal is to bring in a more established voice with previous managerial experience, Ross could become a more serious candidate. The front office could also explore other options, particularly managers with different approaches to analytics, player development and clubhouse leadership.
The decision will be especially important because the Mets cannot afford to treat the next managerial hire as an isolated change. The organization will need a manager who fits the roster-building philosophy established by Stearns and his baseball operations department. Communication between the front office and dugout will be crucial, particularly if New York intends to make another push toward contention after the disappointment of 2026.
Ross’ familiarity with Green adds another interesting layer to the potential scenario. Rather than entering the organization with no knowledge of the current coaching structure, he would already understand one of the people who has been responsible for helping guide the Mets through their difficult season. That background does not guarantee a fit, but it is an unusual connection that could be considered during the search.
Ultimately, the Mets’ next managerial decision will depend on how the organization evaluates the failures and lessons of the current season. Green still has an opportunity to make his case during the remainder of the campaign, but the possibility of a permanent change remains open. If Stearns chooses experience, championship pedigree and familiarity with the major-league environment as priorities, Ross could become one of the names worth watching.
For a franchise that entered 2026 expecting to compete at a much higher level, the managerial search could represent the beginning of a broader reset. Whether that reset includes Green, Ross or another candidate, the Mets will need their next manager to provide more than a new voice. The organization will be looking for someone capable of restoring consistency, establishing trust inside the clubhouse and helping turn a disappointing season into the foundation for a stronger future.
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