Philadelphia Phillies MLB Offseason Profiles: Joe Ross
Dave Dombrowski and the Philadelphia Phillies seemed poised to make a major splash when the MLB offseason began.
A veteran roster with a shrinking World Series window, a future Hall of Fame executive running the front office, and an owner with deep pockets in a large, demanding media market seemed like the perfect formula for hot stove headlines.
Instead, the Phillies added a trio of veterans who collectively showed tremendous upside in 2023 that dipped during injury-plagued seasons in 2024.
They also added swingman Joe Ross on a low-risk move to improve their pitching depth.
Will these less expensive, short-term acquisitions keep them atop the National League East and in championship contention?
Joe Ross
The 31-year-old right-handed started 76 games and appeared in 22 more in relief over parts of six seasons with the Washington Nationals from 2015-2021.
He sat out the 60-game season in 2020 and then missed both the 2022 and 2023 seasons recovering from his second Tommy John surgery.
Ross landed another opportunity with the Milwaukee Brewers to begin the 2024 season, but he only lasted 10 starts in Milwaukee’s rotation after posting an underwhelming 4.98 ERA.
He found his rhythm after a move to the bullpen. By the time the National League Wild Card Series came around, Ross had pitched his way into a high-leverage role for a Brewers club that leaned on their bullpen as a key strength.
Ross finished sixth among MLB relievers who pitched at least 25 innings with a 1.67 ERA out of the bullpen last season.
The 6-foot-4 righty leans heavily on his slider and sinker. He’s increased his slider usage throughout his MLB career. Opponents hit just .237 against it last season. Ross also throws a four-seam fastball, curveball, and a change-up with lighter usage.
He interestingly planned his engagement the weekend before he finalized his contract with the Phillies. Will pitching at Citizens Bank Park compare to marriage as a life-changing experience?
Fit With Phillies
The Phillies appeared to have one of the deepest pitching staffs in the majors during the first half of the 2024 season.
However, the fifth starter spot plummeted in the final two months. The bullpen then allowed 16 earned runs in four playoff games.
Why not add depth to both? A one-year deal for a swingman worth only $4 million could patch holes that showed up at the bottom of the roster last season.
The Phillies signed Matt Strahm entering 2023 to fill a similar role. The lefty was more expensive and more accomplished than Joe Ross at the time of the signing, but fluky bullpen moves pay off every summer in the major leagues.
Related Content: Where Do Phillies Stand in MLB Offseason After Jesus Luzardo Trade?
The addition of Joe Ross pushes Taijuan Walker further from a major league roster spot. It also adds a more experienced alternative than spot starts from fringe prospects like Seth Johnson, Moises Chace, or Mick Abel and AAAA journeymen waiting in the minors.
Entering a season with five established starters theoretically completes an MLB rotation for the season. Very few teams can stack up against Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and Jesus Luzardo.
However, the increased use of the six-man rotation, the unconventional bullpen strategies in recent MLB postseasons, and the always looming chance of injuries only proves the old cliche that MLB teams can never have enough pitching.
All advanced numbers according of StatCast (unless otherwise noted)
