Brewers Agree To Major League Contract With Former Nationals Starter Joe Ross

The Milwaukee Brewers head into the Winter Meetings needing to add some pitching depth options and they've found one in former Nationals pitcher Joe Ross.

Fansided's Robert Murray reported that the Brewers and Ross were in agreement on a major league contract.

Ross finding a major league deal is a bit of a surprise considering he hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021. He underwent a second career Tommy John surgery in early 2022, returned to pitch late in the 2023 season in the minor leagues, throwing just 14 IP.

The Brewers clearly feel Ross is back to 100% and are hoping to find a diamond in the rough as Ross will be another year removed from TJS.

Joe Ross is no guarantee, but he helps address the Brewers pitching depth problems.

Ross, 30, played in parts of six seasons for the Washington Nationals from 2015-2021. He has a career 4.26 ERA. His best season came in 2016, when he pitched to a 3.43 ERA in 19 starts covering 105 IP.

Following that strong performance, Ross posted three straight seasons with ERAs over 5.00. He bounced back in 2021, pitching to a 4.17 ERA in a career-high 108 IP.

Financial details on Ross' contract with the Crew were not immediately available but it can be surmised that there's very little guaranteed money on his deal. Getting a 40 man roster spot will greatly improve Ross' chances of making the Opening Day roster as he is out of minor league options, but it'll still be on him to prove that in spring training.

UPDATE: It's been reported that Ross' deal is a one year pact for $1.75MM.

The Brewers have lost a lot of innings from their pitching staff so far this offseason. They've gotten some back with the re-signing of Colin Rea and the presumptive re-signing of Wade Miley, and they continue to add more arms with Joe Ross.

On the depth chart, Ross is going to be below Colin Rea and possibly below Janson Junk. The Brewers are giving him an opportunity to get back into the big leagues after missing the last two seasons due to injury.

Best case scenario, Ross turns into the 2024 version of Colin Rea where he can be called upon if the rotation needs help and eat up some innings. The Brewers need to stock up on arms and they do so with the addition of Ross and perhaps he can get back to his old form.