Former Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross could be ticketed for a return to the American League East. That’s because Ross, who previously managed the Chicago Cubs, could be on the Baltimore Orioles’ short list of candidates to replace interim manager Tony Mansolino, who took over for the fired Brandon Hyde in May.

“The Giants, like the Braves and Orioles, offer an open position with a team that is expected to be in win-now mode,” The Athletic’s Brittany Ghiroli reported Tuesday. “Should the O’s choose to focus on managerial experience after the rookie Hyde, David Ross, who told The Athletic last week he wanted to manage again, is an intriguing possibility. Ross could also be a fit for Atlanta, though the Braves have not yet begun asking permission for interviews as of Monday.

“Atlanta gave Brian Snitker’s coaches permission to interview for other jobs, though bench coach Walt Weiss is expected to get consideration as Snitker’s successor. The Orioles are a little further ahead in the process than the Braves, though they — like several other clubs — may choose to wait until the postseason ends to interview candidates from teams still playing,” Ghiroli added.

The Baltimore Banner’s Andy Kostka added to the intrigue on Sunday, noting the Orioles considered Ross for Baltimore’s bench coach one year ago.

Last week, Ross admitted he is interested in the opening in Atlanta after the Braves parted ways with Snitker.

“I’d love to manage again,” Ross said, according to ESPN‘s report Thursday. “Obviously, Atlanta would be amazing, but there’s nothing to really elaborate on. I don’t want to talk about something that doesn’t have any legs yet. Hopefully, my name pops up, but we will wait and see on that.”

Adding fuel to the fire was The Athletic’s David O’Brien.

“Not that some of the names bandied about — among them Mark DeRosa, David Ross, John Gibbons and Walt Weiss — might not end up on (Braves general manager Alex) Anthopoulos’ list,” O’Brien reported Saturday. “Anthopoulos said he would start compiling a list of managerial candidates as soon as he got off a video call with reporters Saturday morning.

“Once that list exists, he added, he hopes, as with any Braves moves or potential moves, there would be no leaks. His front office is notoriously leak-free,” O’Brien added.

Ross’ first and last manager gig came with the Chicago Cubs from 2020 to 2023. He led the Cubs to just one postseason appearance during his four seasons in the dugout. Ross’ 15-year MLB career ended in a Cubs uniform in 2016, helping Chicago win its first World Series title in 108 years.

Among Ross’ previous stops was Boston, first in 2008 then again in 2013 and 2014. His leadership and clubhouse presence were among the many factors contributing to the Red Sox winning the World Series in 2013.