Chicago Cubs Sign 8-Year Veteran Starting Pitcher
The Chicago Cubs have signed right-hander Joe Ross to a minor league contract, giving them an extra layer of pitching depth as injuries pile up down the stretch.
Ross, 32, became a free agent last week after the Philadelphia Phillies released him.
The Chicago Cubs have signed RHP Joe Ross to a minor league contract and assigned him to AAA. Ross became a free agent last week when the Phillies released him.
— MLB Moves and News (@MLBMoves_News) September 2, 2025
Cubs Add Veteran Arm, Sign Joe Ross to Minor League Deal
Ross has endured a bumpy road since undergoing Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He bounced back nicely with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024, posting a 3.77 ERA over 74 innings in a swing role.
That showing earned him a $4 million deal with Philadelphia this past offseason, but he struggled with a 5.12 ERA across 37 appearances before being cut loose. Still, the Cubs see him as a sensible insurance policy with Jameson Taillon and Michael Soroka both on the injured list and their rotation stretched thin.
The #Cubs have signed pitcher Joe Ross to a minor league agreement. The 32 year old, missed the 2022 and 2023 seasons. After he underwent Tommy John surgery. He was recently released by the #Phillies He pitched 74 innings out of the #Brewers . He threw 51 innings this year.
— Jonathan Cregier (@JJCregier) September 2, 2025
While Ross offers Chicago some veteran stability, the timing of the signing may prevent him from playing a role in October. Players must be in the organization by Aug. 31 to be postseason eligible, and since Ross’s deal was dated Sept. 1, he may only be used for September innings.
Even so, the Cubs clearly value having another experienced arm in the system, especially one who’s shown the ability to pitch in both starting and relief roles.
Photo Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
