Diamondbacks Sign Former Phillies Reliever

Right-hander Joe Ross joins Arizona on minor league deal with spring training invite.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed right-handed reliever Joe Ross to a minor league contract with an invitation to big league spring training. Ross, who spent the 2025 season with the Philadelphia Phillies, will provide pitching depth and competition for the D-backs' bullpen.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks have been focused on adding pitchers with high-velocity arsenals and significant movement on their pitches, a profile that fits Ross. While he may not be an immediate major league solution, Ross could earn an opportunity with the big league club if he performs well in spring training and at the Triple-A level.

The details

Ross was initially drafted by the San Diego Padres in the first round of the 2011 draft and spent parts of six MLB seasons with the Washington Nationals, primarily as a starting pitcher. He missed the 2023 season and part of the 2024 season due to injury, pitching 74 innings with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024 before signing with the Phillies as a relief option for the 2025 season.

  • Ross signed his minor league deal with the Diamondbacks on February 14, 2026.

The players

Joe Ross

A right-handed pitcher who has spent parts of seven seasons in the major leagues, most recently with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2025.

Arizona Diamondbacks

A professional baseball team based in Phoenix, Arizona that competes in the National League West division of Major League Baseball.

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What’s next

Ross will likely begin the 2026 season with the Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliate in Reno, but could earn a call-up to the major league roster if he performs well in spring training and at the minor league level.

The takeaway

The Diamondbacks' signing of Joe Ross is part of their offseason strategy to add pitchers with high-velocity arsenals and significant movement, as they look to build depth and competition in their bullpen ahead of the 2026 season.