Reports: Nats, Ross agree to $1.5M for 2021 to avoid arbitration originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
The Nationals and Joe Ross have agreed on a $1.5 million salary for the starting pitcher next season to avoid arbitration, according to multiple reports. Ross last pitched in Game 5 of the 2019 World Series before opting out of the 2020 campaign due to concerns over playing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Ross, 27, reached a $1.5 million deal with the Nationals for 2020 before the virus postponed the start of the season. As part of MLB’s agreement with the players association, Ross didn’t receive any major league service time while he sat out. Washington has evidently decided to bring him back on the same salary he would’ve received had MLB played out a normal season in 2020.
Following the team’s decision to decline Aníbal Sánchez’s option for next season, the Nationals have two spots at the back of their rotation that are up for grabs. Ross is expected to compete for one of those jobs after Austin Voth (2-5, 6.34 ERA in 2020) struggled as the No. 5 starter and Erick Fedde (2-4, 4.29) bounced back and forth between the rotation and bullpen.
Washington could also choose to fortify its rotation through free agency, though it’s unclear how willing the team will be to spend given the financial losses it’s sustained during the pandemic. The Nationals also have needs in right field, third base and the bullpen after their roster lost several key contributors.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand was the first to report on the agreement between Ross and the Nationals. Jon Heyman of MLB Network and The Washington Post’s Jesse Dougherty also confirmed the news.
