Philadelphia Phillies Agree to Deal With Swingman Pitcher Joe Ross…

Philadelphia Phillies Agree to Deal With Swingman Pitcher Joe Ross

 

Philadelphia, PA — December 30, 2024

 

The Philadelphia Phillies have reached an agreement with veteran pitcher Joe Ross to bolster their pitching staff for the upcoming season. Ross, a versatile swingman who can both start and relieve, brings a wealth of experience and depth to the Phillies’ pitching rotation, which struggled with injuries and inconsistency in the previous year. The deal is expected to provide manager Rob Thomson with much-needed flexibility as the Phillies look to contend in the National League in 2024.

 

A Versatile Addition to the Staff

 

Joe Ross, 31, has been a steady presence in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the past several seasons. Known for his ability to excel both as a starting pitcher and in relief, Ross gives the Phillies an invaluable option when constructing their pitching rotation and bullpen. His ability to transition between starting games and coming out of the bullpen is expected to provide the Phillies with the flexibility to adjust to injuries and other challenges during the grueling 162-game season.

 

Ross has spent the majority of his career with the Washington Nationals, making his MLB debut in 2015. Over the years, Ross has established himself as a reliable pitcher, capable of providing solid innings when called upon. His most successful season came in 2021 when he posted a 3.42 ERA across 14 starts, but his journey has not been without obstacles. Injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2020, have sidelined Ross at various points throughout his career. However, he has demonstrated resilience in overcoming those challenges and remains a respected figure in the clubhouse.

 

A Strong 2024 Outlook for Ross

 

The signing of Joe Ross signals that the Phillies front office is focused on enhancing their pitching depth ahead of the 2024 season. With the starting rotation featuring stars like Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Ranger Suárez, the addition of Ross gives the team additional depth, which is crucial in a season that is expected to be highly competitive in the National League.

 

Ross is expected to compete for a spot in the starting rotation but could also find a role in the bullpen, where his experience could be beneficial in long-relief situations. His ability to eat innings will be a valuable asset for a team that often finds itself needing reliable pitchers in the middle of games. Moreover, Ross’s fastball, which can touch the mid-90s, and his slider, a pitch that he’s worked hard to refine over the years, are expected to complement the Phillies’ pitching staff well.

 

The Phillies have had a mixed history with injuries among their starting pitchers, with Wheeler and Nola both enduring periods of inconsistency in the past. Ross can be an ideal candidate to fill in if one of these pitchers faces a setback, or if the team wants to limit innings for key starters down the stretch. His experience with both roles could provide a safety net when building the pitching staff for 2024.

 

Impact on the Phillies’ Championship Contention

 

The Phillies’ pitching staff has often been the team’s Achilles’ heel in recent years, despite a strong offensive core that includes stars like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner. In 2023, the team made a deep run to the National League Championship Series, but it was clear that the rotation and bullpen needed more depth in order to compete with the likes of the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, and other heavyweights in the NL.

 

By adding Joe Ross, the Phillies hope to address this issue. Ross brings not only depth but also the ability to handle the pressure of high-stakes situations. His postseason experience with the Nationals, including pitching in the 2019 World Series, gives the Phillies an added layer of confidence in his ability to perform under pressure. That experience is invaluable as the team looks to return to the postseason in 2024 and beyond.

 

Ross’s ability to eat innings and provide quality starts or long relief in the postseason could be a pivotal factor in a tight playoff race. The Phillies’ front office understands that pitching depth is essential for championship contention, especially in a league with potent offenses like the NL East’s Braves and Miami Marlins. With Ross now in the fold, the team is better equipped to handle the demands of a 162-game regular season and a potential postseason berth.

 

Joe Ross’s Career So Far

 

Joe Ross began his professional career in the San Diego Padres’ farm system before being traded to the Nationals in 2014 as part of a deal that sent veteran pitcher Ian Kennedy to the Padres. Ross made his major league debut for Washington in 2015, showing promise with a fastball that sat in the low-to-mid 90s and a sharp breaking ball. Throughout his career, Ross has faced his fair share of challenges, particularly with injuries. A significant setback came in 2020 when he underwent Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the entire season.

 

Despite the injury concerns, Ross has consistently shown that he is capable of bouncing back and contributing to his team’s success. He returned to the mound in 2021 and posted solid numbers for the Nationals, with a 3.42 ERA and a strikeout rate of 8.0 K/9 innings. He continued to provide value as a consistent mid-rotation starter before moving to the bullpen for short stints in 2022 and 2023. Although his numbers were somewhat inconsistent in 2023, he continued to show the ability to generate ground balls and manage high-leverage situations.

 

Ross’s resilience and ability to adapt have made him a valuable asset to any team he’s played for, and the Phillies hope to tap into those qualities in 2024.

 

Looking Ahead: The 2024 Season

 

With the 2024 season on the horizon, the Phillies now have an even more formidable pitching staff. Ross joins a rotation and bullpen that includes standout pitchers like Wheeler, Nola, and Suárez, along with promising young arms such as Taijuan Walker and Christopher Sanchez. The versatility that Ross offers, combined with his experience in the postseason, could make him an important piece of the puzzle as the Phillies aim for a deep run in October.

 

As of now, the Phillies are considered one of the top contenders in the National League, and their decision to add Joe Ross is a clear indication that they are committed to building a balanced roster capable of competing for a World Series title. In a division as competitive as the NL East, having a reliable and experienced pitcher like Ross gives the Phillies the depth and flexibility they need to stay at the top of the standings.

 

In summary, the addition of Joe Ross provides the Philadelphia Phillies with a valuable asset who can contribute as both a starter and a reliever in 2024. His versatility, combined with his postseason experience, makes him an important addition to the team’s pitching staff. The Phillies are gearing up for another exciting season, and with the signing of Ross, they have taken an important step toward strengthening their chances of contending for a World Series title.