The Arizona Diamondbacks are quietly stacking depth as spring training looms, adding a pair of veterans on minor league deals that could prove valuable over the long haul of a 162-game season. Outfielder Oscar Mercado and right-handed pitcher Joe Ross have both agreed to minor league contracts with invites to big league camp, giving the D-backs some extra insurance in the outfield and on the mound.
Let’s start with Mercado. The 31-year-old outfielder is no stranger to the majors, having logged most of his big league service time with the Cleveland Guardians from 2019 to 2022.
He last appeared in the majors in 2023 with the St. Louis Cardinals, but has spent the past couple of seasons grinding it out in Triple-A.
In 2025, he played in 115 games at that level, posting a .249/.369/.373 slash line. Those numbers aren’t eye-popping, but they reflect a player who can still get on base and contribute in a variety of ways.
For Arizona, Mercado represents a low-risk, potentially useful piece - a guy who can cover all three outfield spots and bring some speed and experience off the bench. While he’s not expected to break camp as a starter, he’ll get a shot to prove he belongs on the 2026 roster. And in a long season, having a glove-first, versatile outfielder like Mercado stashed in the system could come in handy.
Then there’s Joe Ross, a 32-year-old righty who’s had a winding road through the majors. He made 37 relief appearances for the Phillies last season, pitching to a 5.12 ERA.
But the year before, he was more effective with the Brewers, putting up a 3.77 ERA across 25 outings, including 10 starts. That kind of swingman profile - someone who can pitch in relief or step into the rotation when needed - is increasingly valuable in today’s game.
Ross brings veteran savvy and a track record of competing at the big league level, and while he’s not likely to slot into the Diamondbacks’ rotation right away, he offers the kind of depth that becomes crucial when injuries hit or innings limits come into play. He’s the type of arm that could quietly become a stabilizing force if called upon.
These signings may not make waves across the league, but they’re the kind of smart, under-the-radar moves that contending teams make to stay competitive over the course of a long season. Add in the recent reunion with ace Zac Gallen and the signing of reliever Paul Sewald, and it’s been a busy stretch for Arizona’s front office - one that shows they’re not just resting on last year’s success.
The Diamondbacks are building out a roster that can weather the inevitable ups and downs of a full season. Mercado and Ross might not be everyday names, but come midseason, don’t be surprised if one or both are playing meaningful innings in the desert.