Right-hander Tyson Ross on Friday agreed to a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers, officially marking the end of his Padres tenure.
Ross reportedly will receive a guarantee of $6 million, with the potential to earn more through bonuses. The 29-old entered free agency Dec. 2 when the Padres, not wishing to pay a repeat of last season’s $9.625 million salary, non-tendered him. He had undergone October surgery to address symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome and is seen as a considerable injury risk, albeit one that could pay off nicely for Texas.
“Obviously, he’s a very talented pitcher when healthy but an even better person,” said Padres General Manager A.J. Preller, who spoke with Ross by phone Friday. “It was a very tough call to non-tender him. That decision and watching him in another uniform, that part’s not easy, but we wish him the best.”
Ross arrived in San Diego before the 2013 season. At the time, he was a pitcher who had failed to fulfill his potential with the Oakland Athletics.
With the Padres, the former second-round draft pick emerged as one of the National League’s most coveted starters. Over parts of four seasons, Ross posted a 3.16 ERA and averaged more than a strikeout per inning. He was an All-Star in 2014, put together another strong season in 2015 and earned the Padres’ Opening Day start last year.
That appearance, however, remains Ross’ last on a major league mound. Against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he surrendered eight runs in 5 1/3 innings. He went on the disabled list just days later with right shoulder inflammation. Multiple rehab attempts ensued, none with much success.
Ross’ status for this year’s Opening Day is unclear; his surgery carried an estimated recovery of four to six months.
The Padres expressed interest in re-signing Ross at a lower price range, but it was always unlikely that San Diego would offer him more than a number of other suitors. Ross’ expected signing with the Rangers will reunite him with former Padres right-hander Andrew Cashner, who joined Texas on a one-year contract earlier this winter.
The Padres will continue to seek inexpensive starting pitching. As the Union-Tribune reported Thursday night, they are close to a one-year deal with right-hander Trevor Cahill. Sources said the club remains interested in a possible reunion with franchise icon Jake Peavy. Other veterans, including Doug Fister and Colby Lewis, have been considered as well.
