Red Sox Sign Robbie Ross to 1-Year Deal

The Boston Red Sox have avoided arbitration with reliever Robbie Ross by agreeing to a 1-year deal.

The Boston Red Sox signed left-handed reliever Robbie Ross to a one-year contract worth $1.25 million, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman. His signing marked the 14th consecutive season that the Red Sox have avoided an arbitration hearing.

Ross came to Boston in January of last year in a trade with the Texas Rangers for right-handed pitcher Anthony Ranaudo. While in Texas, Ross, who was a rookie in 2012, pitched 205.2 innings over 150 games, recorded 156 strikeouts and a 3.98 ERA.

In 2015, Ross pitched a career low 60.2 innings over 54 games for the Red Sox, striking out 53 batters and finishing the season with a 3.86 ERA.

While Ross’s numbers are not stellar, it is important to note that his 2015 season was a drastic improvement over his 2014 season, where he recorded a 6.20 ERA.

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There is reason to believe that Ross, who will be joining a bullpen now led by Craig Kimbrel,  can play an important role in 2016. He, and fellow reliever Junichi Tazawa will be able to focus less on carrying the load, and more on getting back in rhythm. The additions of Kimbrel and starting pitcher David Price have given new life to a Red Sox team that has gone from finishing last in the American League East to now being a play-off contender.