The Right-handed pitcher has had a winding journey through Major League Baseball before finally finding stability with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2024, where he contributed solidly out of the bullpen. However, after a standout campaign, he struggled mightily in 2025, eventually being released by the Phillies.
Rather than attempting the uphill climb to earn a roster spot in the majors again in 2026, he has opted for a fresh start abroad. This week, he signed with the Yokohama DeNA Baystars of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, a move that offers both financial security and the chance to reset his career.
José Ruiz’s professional journey began in 2011 when he signed as an international free agent with the San Diego Padres. He worked his way through the minor league ranks and reached the majors in 2017, although he appeared in only a single game for the Padres. That winter, the Chicago White Sox claimed him off waivers, and Ruiz spent the next five seasons on the South Side of Chicago. During that time, he compiled a 4.56 ERA across 177 appearances, steadily establishing himself as a reliable middle-relief option. He finished 2023 with a brief stint in Arizona before becoming a free agent at year’s end.
In November 2023, the Phillies brought Ruiz on board via a minor league deal. After an impressive 1.64 ERA in 10 Triple-A outings, he earned a call-up in May 2024. That season proved to be a career highlight: over 51 innings, Ruiz posted a 3.71 ERA, struck out 52 batters, and issued only 17 walks. While he wasn’t used in high-leverage situations behind an elite Phillies bullpen that included All-Stars Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm, along with trade-deadline acquisition Carlos Estévez, Ruiz soaked up critical middle innings, providing consistent reliability in a supporting role.
The following season, 2025, presented a vastly different scenario. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski allowed Hoffman and Estévez to leave in free agency, replacing them with reclamation project Jordan Romano, who struggled out of the gate. Orion Kerkering, another hard-throwing arm, regressed, and presumptive closer José Alvarado faced an 80-game suspension for PEDs. Amid a bullpen in disarray, Ruiz endured a disastrous stretch, surrendering 16 earned runs over just 16 1/3 innings. The Phillies had seen enough and designated him for assignment in early June.
Ruiz briefly caught the attention of the Atlanta Braves, who claimed him off waivers, but after two poor outings, he was sent to the Texas Rangers organization. There, he found some rhythm in Triple-A, recording a 2.31 ERA over 20 appearances. Yet, that performance was insufficient to earn a return to the majors, leaving Ruiz with limited options in the U.S., likely restricted to minor league contracts.
Rather than accept a 2026 season of uncertain playing time and modest pay, Ruiz has chosen to take his talents to Japan, joining the Yokohama DeNA Baystars on a $1.2 million contract. The Baystars, who won a championship in 2024 and have featured high-profile players like Trevor Bauer, offer Ruiz a chance to pitch in a competitive environment while earning a guaranteed salary.
Playing in Japan has proven successful for other struggling American pitchers. Names like Miles Mikolas and Nick Martinez revitalized their careers overseas before returning to MLB with lucrative contracts. Even Anthony Kay, once a struggling prospect and a Baystars teammate, recently secured a $12 million deal with the White Sox. For Ruiz, this move could follow a similar trajectory—a chance to refine his craft, showcase his skills, and potentially return to the majors stronger than ever.
While Ruiz’s 2025 struggles tarnished the end of his Phillies tenure, his 2024 campaign demonstrated his capability to be a valuable bullpen contributor. Signing with Yokohama allows him not only financial stability but also an opportunity to reignite his career in a baseball-crazed nation. For a player who has traveled extensively through professional baseball, this new chapter may provide the reset he needs to return to the big leagues on his own terms.