Phillies Strengthen Bullpen with One-Year Deal for 

The Philadelphia Phillies have bolstered their bullpen by signing right-handed pitcher Joe Ross to a one-year, $4 million contract. The deal, finalized on Monday, adds depth and experience to the team’s pitching staff as they gear up for another competitive season.

Ross, 31, had a solid season with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023, making 10 starts and appearing in 25 total games. He finished the year with a 3-6 record and a respectable 3.77 ERA. Standing 6-foot-4, the veteran pitcher has proven his ability to handle various roles on the mound, whether starting games or coming out of the bullpen.

Originally drafted in the first round of the 2011 amateur draft by the San Diego Padres, Ross has accumulated significant experience over his seven-season MLB career. He has pitched in 123 games, including stints with the Washington Nationals and Milwaukee Brewers. Across his career, Ross has compiled a 29-34 record with a 4.19 ERA, 469 strikeouts, and 170 walks.

The Phillies’ decision to add Ross reflects their strategic approach to building a competitive roster. While not a blockbuster signing, his versatility and veteran presence could prove invaluable over the course of the season. Ross’s ability to provide quality innings, whether as a starter or reliever, makes him a key asset in a bullpen that will likely face heavy demands during the grueling 162-game schedule.

This signing is part of an offseason defined by calculated moves for the National League East champions. In addition to acquiring Ross, the Phillies traded for left-handed pitcher Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins and signed free-agent outfielder Max Kepler to a one-year, $10 million deal. These transactions indicate the Phillies are focused on addressing specific needs to enhance their depth and overall performance.

As the Phillies prepare for the upcoming season, Ross will look to make an immediate impact and contribute to the team’s aspirations of returning to the playoffs. His combination of experience and adaptability adds an important layer of reliability to a roster aiming to remain a contender in the NL East.