Brewers agree to deal with World Series-winning RHP

The Milwaukee Brewers have reached an agreement with right-handed pitcher Joe Ross on a major league deal, according to a report by Robert Murray of FanSided. The specific details of the deal are not yet publicly disclosed, pending a physical examination for the Wasserman client.

Joe Ross, who will turn 31 in May, has faced significant injury challenges throughout his career, including undergoing Tommy John surgery for the second time in May 2022. He had previously undergone the same procedure in 2017. For the 2023 season, Ross signed a minor league deal with the Giants, and by late August, he was back on the mound, starting a rehab assignment. Over eight appearances on the farm, he threw 14 innings with a 5.14 earned run average in that limited sample.

Although a 5.14 ERA may not impress, the Brewers seem to have been intrigued by Ross's performance, possibly considering his overall body of work and past prospect pedigree. The crucial aspect for the Brewers appears to be Ross's restored health and his presence on the mound. According to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Ross exhibited good velocity at Triple-A late last year, even surpassing his previous seasons.

Once a highly-touted prospect, Ross was drafted 25th overall by the Padres in 2011 and later made his debut with the Nationals, posting a combined 3.52 ERA over 181 2/3 innings between 2015 and 2016. However, injuries have hindered his career, with Tommy John surgeries and partial tears of his ulnar collateral ligament.

Considering Ross's injury history, the Brewers may not expect him to handle a full starter's workload. Having only reached the 80-inning mark in two major league seasons (2016 and 2021), and with limited success in those seasons, the Brewers might deploy him in a swing role or as a multi-inning pitcher out of the bullpen. The decision could be influenced by Ross's performance in Spring Training and other roster moves made by the club.

The Brewers have also finalized a deal with left-hander Wade Miley, solidifying their current rotation as Corbin Burnes, Freddy Peralta, Miley, Adrian Houser, and Colin Rea. Ross could potentially compete for a spot in the rotation, especially if injuries create new needs. Rumors of the Brewers considering a trade involving Burnes could further impact the team's pitching depth chart.

In dealing with the inevitable pitching injuries over a full 162-game season, the Brewers have additional options on their 40-man roster, including Janson Junk and Aaron Ashby, along with prospects like Robert Gasser and Jacob Misiorowski pushing towards their major league debuts. Ross is expected to be part of the pitching mix, with his contributions contingent on his health and the team's overall circumstances.