The Phillies made another interesting addition to the pitching staff, signing former Nationals and Brewers right-hander Joe Ross to a one-year contract. The team officially announced the deal on Monday. Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported that the deal is worth $4 million.
Ross, 31, will occupy a swingman role for the Phillies similar to the one Spencer Turnbull held down in 2024. Last season with Milwaukee, Ross posted a 4.98 ERA across 10 starts. He allowed three runs or fewer in seven of those 10 starts.
After missing roughly two months with a back injury, Ross returned in July as a multi-inning reliever, posting a 1.67 ERA in 27 innings. He recorded more than three outs in 10 of his 15 appearances. Per the Phillies, he averaged a career-high 94.8 mph on his four-seam fastball and sinker last season.
In a Zoom press conference with reporters on Monday night, Phillies president of baseball Dave Dombrowski operations said the team agreed to terms with Ross around the same time the Phillies and Marlins agreed on the Jesús Luzardo trade. Ross is open to both starting and relieving for the Phillies. Considering the amount of rotation depth the Phillies have accumulated, Ross will likely begin the year in the bullpen.
A former teammate of Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber, Ross spent the first six years of his career with the Washington Nationals before signing with the Brewers in December 2023.
With Ross on board, the Phillies now have seven bullpen spots accounted for with Ross, Jordan Romano, Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm, Jose Alvarado, Jose Ruiz and Tanner Banks.
Dombrowski indicated that the Phillies are likely done adding to the bullpen this offseason. A trade or two could open things up for more additions, but the Ross signing likely signals the end of Jeff Hoffman’s Phillies tenure. He is currently a free agent and many teams are reportedly interested in him as a starting pitcher.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Ross, pitcher José Cuas was designated for assignment.
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