The Diamondbacks signed right-hander Joe Ross and outfielder Oscar Mercado to minor league contracts that contain invitations to Arizona’s big league spring camp. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal was the first to report Ross’ deal, while MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams had the Mercado signing. Ross is a Wasserman client, and Mercado is represented by Excel Sports Management.
Ross signed a one-year, $4MM guarantee with the Phillies last offseason, in the aftermath of a 2024 campaign that saw Ross post some strong numbers (1.67 ERA over 27 innings) once he was moved from the Brewers’ rotation into a bullpen role. After a Tommy John surgery prevented Ross from any big league action over the 2022-23 seasons, his 2024 numbers were a nice rebound, and a sign that relief pitching could potentially be the way forward in his career.
Unfortunately, things went south for Ross in Philadelphia. He posted a 5.12 ERA, 17.1% strikeout rate, and 7.9% walk rate over 51 innings (starting one of 37 appearances) for the Phils, and was tagged for eight home runs. Philadelphia released Ross near the end of August and he caught on with the Cubs on a minors deal, but didn’t receive any looks on Chicago’s active roster, even when rosters expanded in September.
More to come…
