Free agent Tyson Ross has finally decided on a new home for the 2017 season. According to MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan, the veteran right-hander reached a one-year agreement on Friday with the Texas Rangers.
Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan reports the deal is for $6M guaranteed, and with incentives as Ross battles back from thoracic outlet surgery in October. Ross was reportedly eyeing this type of one-year contract in order to rebuild his value after his ailing arm limited him to one disappointing start during the 2016 season.
Prior to his lost season, Ross had emerged as one of the top pitchers in the National League. He made 64 starts over the previous two seasons for the San Diego Padres, posting a 3.03 ERA and 9.4 K9. He was an All-Star in 2014.
At one point Ross was reportedly drawing interest from roughly two-thirds of the league. In recent weeks that was narrowed down to a half-dozen teams, with the Rangers and Cubs considered to be favorites. There were also reports that his brother, Joe Ross, was attempting to recruit him to the Washington Nationals.
In the end, the Rangers won out.
Ross joins a rotation that’s strong at the top with Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish, but could use another quality arm to fill it out. Assuming he’s healthy, Ross should fit that bill. As of now, there’s hope he’ll be ready for the beginning of the season, but there are never guarantees for pitchers coming off any type of surgery. If he’s not ready, the Rangers will turn to Andrew Cashner as a third starter and likely leave the competition open to fill it out.
All things considered, this is an ideal fit for both sides. For Ross, it’s an opportunity to prove himself (again) on a contending team. That means a chance to win and perhaps perform under a prominent spotlight come October. As for the Rangers, they realize their window to win is open right now. Even as a one-year stopgap, Ross could provide a huge boost for them as they reach for the elusive World Series crown.
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