In a move that’s sure to spark debate among baseball fans, the Arizona Diamondbacks have quietly bolstered their roster by signing Joe Ross and Oscar Mercado to minor league deals—both with invitations to big league spring camp. But here’s where it gets interesting: these aren’t just any minor league signings. Ross, a right-handed pitcher, and Mercado, an outfielder, bring unique stories and potential to the table, though their paths to Arizona couldn’t be more different. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal broke the news of Ross’ deal, while MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams was first to report Mercado’s signing, highlighting the behind-the-scenes buzz surrounding these moves. Ross is represented by Wasserman, while Mercado is with Excel Sports Management, adding another layer to their journeys.
Let’s start with Joe Ross, whose career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. After a promising 2024 season with the Brewers, where he posted a stellar 1.67 ERA over 27 innings as a reliever, Ross inked a one-year, $4 million deal with the Phillies. This came on the heels of his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the 2022-23 seasons. His 2024 performance hinted at a bright future in the bullpen—a potential career pivot that had fans and analysts alike taking notice. But here’s where it gets controversial: Ross’ time in Philadelphia was anything but smooth. He struggled to a 5.12 ERA over 51 innings, with a 17.1% strikeout rate and a concerning 7.9% walk rate. Eight home runs allowed didn’t help his case, and by late August, the Phillies had released him. A brief stint with the Cubs on a minor league deal followed, but he never cracked their active roster, even when September roster expansions rolled around. Was Ross’ rough patch in Philadelphia a fluke, or is his future in the majors truly in question? That’s the million-dollar question the Diamondbacks are now betting on.
Oscar Mercado, on the other hand, brings a different set of challenges and opportunities. Once a highly touted prospect, Mercado’s journey has been marked by inconsistency and injuries. Yet, his speed and defensive prowess in the outfield remain undeniable assets. The Diamondbacks’ decision to bring him into camp suggests they see untapped potential—but will he be able to translate that into consistent performance at the big league level? And this is the part most people miss: minor league deals like these are often low-risk, high-reward gambles for teams. If Ross or Mercado can rediscover their form, Arizona could end up with major league-caliber players at a fraction of the cost. But if not, they’ve lost little in the process.
So, here’s the big question: Are the Diamondbacks onto something with these signings, or are they simply taking a flyer on past potential? Ross’ bullpen promise and Mercado’s defensive skills are intriguing, but their recent struggles can’t be ignored. Will these moves pay off, or will they be forgotten footnotes in Arizona’s offseason? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation that’s bound to get heated!
