Joe Ross (SP, WSH) - Waiver Wire Pickups

Baller Move: Add in 12+ leagues

Owned in: 52% of Fleaflicker leagues

If you didn't know who Joe Ross was during his audition with the Washington Nationals in 2015 you have no reason to forget him now.

Ross started 13 games in 2015 and had a 5-5 record with 8 K/9, .265 BABIP, 3.64 ERA and a 3.42 FIP. He had a bit of a rough spring and battled through an injury that slowed down his momentum coming into spring training and the regular season. Ross proved that he is more than capable of regaining that swagger and becoming the next big thing in our nation's capital.

Ross went 7 IP with 5 K, 5 H, 1 ER and had a 86% LOB rate in the team's 4-2 win over the Miami Marlins. His command was superb despite the two walks he gave up but incorporated his elite sinker and slider with his fastball and change-up to keep the Marlins' hitters off balance.

The thing that has everyone buzzing about Ross going forward is his presence and moxie on the mound. He stands at 6'4" and attacks hitters with his 60% first pitch strike rate. His BB% has never been higher than 8.8% at any level and his .220 BAA shows his dominance thus far and those numbers should translate over to more elite hitting.

With the Nationals offense and Ross' pure talent the Nationals seem to think they have a top line starter right now. He should be regarded as a high-level SP with the likes of Luis Severino and Marcus Stroman as he continues to get better with each and every start. Grab him now if he was not drafted and make your opponents pay for letting him linger on your waiver wire.