Phillies Sign Joe Ross – MLB Trade Rumors

The Phillies and Joe Ross have agreed to a one-year deal, the team confirmed. Matt Gelb of The Athletic, who first reported the signing, adds that Ross will receive a salary of $4 million. The right-hander, who has experience as a starter and reliever, is expected to take on a swingman role in Philadelphia. To clear a spot for Ross on the 40-man roster, the Phillies named a right guard Jose Cuas for the order.

Ross, 32 in May, spent the 2024 season with the Brewers. He opened the year in Milwaukee’s rotation and made nine starts through mid-May with a 4.50 ERA and 4.65 SIERA. Unfortunately, he went on the IL for more than two months midway through the year due to a lower back strain. Upon his return, he got off to a poor start before being moved to the bullpen.

There, Ross thrived, posting a 1.67 ERA and 3.89 SIERA in 27 innings. Although his fastball velocity did not increase significantly, he increased his strikeout rate from 18.7% as a starter to 24.1% as a reliever. He also did an excellent job of limiting extra-base hits. While the right-hander gave up more fly balls and fewer grounders, he lowered his opponents’ isolated strength from .134 to .060. Additionally, Ross provided valuable length to the Brewers’ bullpen; He pitched more than one inning in 10 of his 15 relief appearances.

Ultimately, the sample size of Ross’ 2024 season is relatively small. He threw 47 innings as a starter and 27 out of the bullpen. Meanwhile, the sample size of his 2022 and ’23 seasons is nonexistent. He landed on the IL with a UCL injury in August 2021, underwent his second career Tommy John surgery in May 2022 and didn’t play in the majors again until last year.

From 2015 to 2021, Ross was a capable pitcher when healthy. In 76 starts and 22 relief appearances for the Nationals, he posted a 4.26 ERA and an identical 4.26 SIERA. In 2024, he showed he can still be that arm. In 74 innings, he posted a respectable 3.77 ERA and a 4.38 SIERA. He went at least five innings in seven of his 10 starts and held opponents scoreless in 12 of his 15 relief appearances. It’s easy to see what the Phillies like in a guy who can add depth to the rotation and length to the bullpen. At the same time, it’s easy to see why fans might be nervous. Ross has a lengthy injury history that has prevented him from ever pitching more than 27 games or 108 innings in a season. This advantage is the reason he earned a major league contract. Because of his injury history, it’s only a guaranteed $4 million, pocket money for a Phillies team with a projected payroll of $289 million (per RosterResource).

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said in a media release last week that he was looking for a swingman-type who could throw out of the rotation as well as the bullpen. But after the team’s surprising acquisition of the starter Jesus LuzardoIt was unclear whether Dombrowski was still looking for another pitcher. With a projected rotation of Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarezand Luzardo, the Phillies could have decided to use him Taijuan Walker as their swingman. The veteran lost his starting spot last year amid the worst season of his career. In 19 appearances (15 starts), he posted a 7.10 ERA and 5.25 SIERA in 83 2/3 innings pitched.

With Ross on the roster, it’s hard to guess what role Walker will play with the Phillies in 2025 – if he will play a role at all. The seven locks for the 2025 bullpen are Jose Alvarado, Matt Strahm, Jordan Romano, Orion Dungeon, Jose Ruiz, Tanner Banksand Ross. That leaves only one spot left on the pitching staff. The Phillies could give Walker that spot, but they might prefer to have a young arm with a higher head rather than carrying two long men. Max Lazarwhich Dombrowski mentioned in his media availability is a name on the 40-man roster to keep in mind. For now, Walker provides extra depth in case of injury, but expect the Phillies to look for a way to release his contract this winter. He is expected to earn $36 million over the next two seasons.

Cuas did not appear in a game with the Phillies in 2024. After starting his career with the Royals in 2022, he was traded to the Cubs at the deadline in 2023. Chicago DFA selected him last June and the Blue Jays claimed him off waivers. Toronto would also cut him before the end of the year, and although the Phillies claimed him in September, they optioned him to Triple-A and never drafted him. The right-hander has a career 4.37 ERA and 4.43 SIERA in 119 1/3 innings. He also has one option year left. That should help him find a new club that can sign him as a depth player for 2025.