The Texas Rangers have made another move to strengthen their organizational pitching depth, signing veteran right-hander Joe Ross to a minor league contract after his recent release from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The move gives Texas an experienced bullpen option as the club continues looking for reliable arms throughout the long MLB season.
According to reports from Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News, Ross will now attempt to work his way back to the major leagues within the Rangers organization. While the signing may not make immediate headlines around baseball, it represents a low-risk move for Texas, which continues searching for veteran pitching depth capable of helping the team later in the season.
Ross is best known for being part of the Washington Nationals squad that captured the 2019 World Series championship. During his early years in Washington, the talented right-hander showed flashes of becoming a dependable starter with impressive stuff on the mound. However, injuries repeatedly interrupted his progress and prevented him from fully establishing himself as a consistent major league contributor.
MLB Trade Rumors writer Steve Adams recently reflected on Ross’ career journey, noting how injuries frequently derailed his momentum over the years. Adams also pointed out that Ross has now accumulated nearly eight full years of major league service time across parts of nine seasons in the majors. Despite the setbacks, Ross has continued pursuing opportunities around baseball in hopes of extending his MLB career.
The 33-year-old began this season in the Diamondbacks organization but struggled to produce dominant numbers at Triple-A Reno. Across 21 innings pitched, Ross recorded a 4.29 ERA while striking out only 14 percent of opposing hitters. Those numbers were not enough for Arizona to keep him in their plans, ultimately leading to his release earlier this week.
Even with the recent struggles, the Rangers clearly believe Ross still possesses enough experience and potential value to deserve another opportunity. Texas has dealt with its share of pitching concerns this season, making veteran depth especially important as the club works through injuries and bullpen inconsistencies. Adding a pitcher with Ross’ background and postseason experience gives the organization another possible option if help is needed later in the year.
For Ross, this latest contract represents another chance to prove he can still contribute at the major league level. At this stage of his career, he is expected to continue receiving mostly minor league opportunities unless he can show improved effectiveness and consistency on the mound. Still, players with his experience often become valuable depth pieces during the grind of a 162-game season.
If Ross eventually earns a promotion to the major league roster in Texas, the Rangers would become the fifth franchise of his MLB career since making his debut in 2015. Throughout his time in professional baseball, Ross has experienced both the highs of winning a World Series title and the frustrations that come with recurring injuries.
Now, he begins a new chapter with the Rangers organization hoping to revive his career and potentially carve out a role in Texas’ bullpen before the season comes to an end.
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