The Chicago Cubs have taken steps to become a championship contender despite missing the playoffs this season.

After two losing seasons in a row, going 71-91 in 2021 and 74-88 in 2022, the Cubs improved to 83-79 this year, finishing one game behind the final Wild Card slot in the National League.

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer commended manager David Ross' efforts and leadership despite the disappointment of missing out on a playoff berth due to struggles in the campaign's final weeks.

"I was very pleased with Rossy this year. Coming from being 10 under [.500] and sort of maintaining the competitiveness. Creating that type of culture is very difficult, and he does a fantastic job of that," the executive said in the team's end-of-season press conference on Tuesday, October 3.

The 46-year-old manager has compiled a record of 262 wins and 284 losses, with a winning percentage of .480 over the past four seasons with the Cubs.

The former player was sometimes criticized for his in-game decisions, but Hoyer said the clamors are part of being a manager in a big market.

Jed Hoyer recognizes David Ross' preparations

The Cubs' top brass shared that there are many hours of the day spent in preparation for a game, which people don't see on a day-to-day basis, and he thinks that Ross has done a great job of doing those things.

"He did unbelievable. He's grown so much I feel like every year," Hoyer said.

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