The San Diego Padres are bringing back a familiar name, signing former All Star Tyson Ross on a minor league contract.
Although the San Diego Padres have a bright future, it is not yet here. That is particularly true on the pitching side, where prospects like Mackenzie Gore and Anderson Espinoza are still quite a bit away from the majors. Until that time, or when the Padres expect they are ready to contend, the rotation is likely to consist of stopgaps and reclamation projects, as San Diego hopes they can find lightning in a bottle.
On Friday, the Padres signed a familiar name as one of those potential reclamation projects. Former All Star anf staff ace Tyson Ross is back, having agreed to a minor league contract. Should he find his way to the majors, that deal will be worth $1 Million, with an additional $2 Million possible based on games started.
Tyson Ross earned a $9.6 million salary after a strong 2015 season. If he makes the Padres’ roster, he’ll have a base salary between $1M and $2M plus incentives for games started.
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) December 30, 2017
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There had been a time when Ross was one of the better starters in the game. Despite a misleading 26-34 record from 2013 through 2015, he had posted a 3.07 ERA and a 1.233 WHiP, striking out 526 batters in 516 innings. However, he has made only 13 major league appearances over the past two years, sidelined by shoulder issues and thoracic outlet syndrome.
Of course, the return from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery has been spotty at best. Ross himself struggled in his return, posting a 7.71 ERA and a 1.837 WHiP in his 49 innings with the Rangers last year. His command had deserted him, as he issued 37 walks while striking out only 36 batters.
However, there is no arguing with the success that Ross had prior to his injury woes. For a team like the Padres, who are looking to make strides towards contention, taking a one year flier on Ross makes sense. He will only turn 31 years old at the start of the season, and still has plenty of time to regain his former productive form.
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The San Diego Padres have brought Tyson Ross back on a minor league deal. As a reclamation project, he is certainly worth a look.