Diamondbacks Sign Veteran Pitcher Joe Ross to Minor League Deal

The 32-year-old right-hander looks to revive his career in Arizona after Tommy John surgery and recent struggles.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a minor league contract with veteran right-handed pitcher Joe Ross, who will receive a spring training invitation. Ross, 32, has eight years of major league experience, mostly as a starter but more recently in the bullpen. He is looking to revive his career after undergoing Tommy John surgery for the second time and missing the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks are continuing to build up their pitching depth by adding veteran arms like Ross, who could provide minor league rotation or bullpen help if he can regain his form. Ross has shown flashes of success in the past, including starting a World Series game for the Washington Nationals in 2019, and the Diamondbacks are hoping a change of scenery can help him bounce back.

The details

Ross last pitched in the majors in 2025 for the Philadelphia Phillies, where he struggled to a 5.12 ERA in 51 innings. He changed his pitch mix that year to rely more heavily on his mid-90s fastball over his slider, which did not lead to strong results. Prior to that, Ross was productive when healthy in 2024 for the Milwaukee Brewers, posting a 3.77 ERA in 74 innings. However, he missed significant time that season due to a lower back strain.

  • Ross last pitched in the majors in 2025.
  • He missed the 2022 and 2023 seasons due to Tommy John surgery.
  • Ross started a World Series game for the Washington Nationals in 2019.

The players

Joe Ross

A 32-year-old right-handed pitcher who has eight years of major league experience, mostly as a starter but more recently in the bullpen. He is looking to revive his career after undergoing Tommy John surgery for the second time and missing the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Major League Baseball team that has signed Joe Ross to a minor league contract with a spring training invitation, as they continue to build up their pitching depth.

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What they’re saying

“The Diamondbacks continue to stock up on veteran pitching after officially bringing back Paul Sewald and agreeing to a contract with free agent Zac Gallen this week.”

— ALEX WEINER, Reporter (arizonasports.com)

What’s next

Ross will compete for a spot on the Diamondbacks' major league roster during spring training.

The takeaway

The Diamondbacks are taking a low-risk flier on veteran pitcher Joe Ross, who is looking to revive his career after missing significant time due to injury. If Ross can regain his form, he could provide valuable depth for the Diamondbacks' pitching staff.