Former Cincinnati Reds catcher and fan favorite David Ross is the Chicago Cubs' choice to replace Joe Maddon as their new manager, with contract discussions under way, according to a report from NBCSportsChicago.com's David Kaplan.

The 42-year-old Ross has served as an advisor for the Cubs while also working as an analyst for ESPN.

Ross does not have managerial experience. He played for the Cubs in 2015 and 2016, winning a World Series in his second season in Chicago.

He hit .227 with 41 home runs in parts of three seasons for the Reds from 2006 to 2008. He hit a career-best 21 homers in just 296 plate appearances for Cincinnati in 2006.

Among current Major League Baseball managers, Ross would be the fifth former Reds player - joining the Reds' David Bell, the Washington Nationals' Dave Martinez, the Cleveland Indians' Terry Francona and the New York Yankees' Aaron Boone.

Last month, Ross sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" at Wrigley Field while standing next to a tribute to legendary Reds radio voice Marty Brennaman reading "And This One Belongs to the Reds" in all caps.

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