Arizona Diamondbacks 2026 Non-Roster Invitees, Part 5: The Late Additions and Catchers

The journey through the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 non-roster invitees has been a deep dive into the organization’s strategic depth. Just when we thought we had covered the pitching, the front office made a couple of late-winter moves, adding veteran names on minor-league deals. These signings, coupled with a look at the backstops invited to camp, complete the picture of the players fighting for a spot in the desert sun. This final installment examines the last-minute additions and the catchers who will be crucial in guiding both established arms and hopeful reclamation projects this spring.

Late-Inning Veteran Depth: The Joe Ross Reclamation Project

As spring training rosters solidified, the Diamondbacks added a familiar name to the pile of pitching invites: right-handed pitcher Joe Ross. A first-round pick (25th overall) by the Padres back in 2011, Ross brings a wealth of experience, with over 500 innings of major league work across eight seasons. He even owns a World Series ring from the 2019 Washington Nationals, a credential that carries weight in any clubhouse.

However, Ross’s recent performance paints the picture of a pitcher Arizona hopes to stabilize. In 2025 with the Phillies, he posted a 5.12 ERA over 37 appearances, striking out 39 against 18 walks in 51 innings before his late-August release. The surface numbers aren’t dazzling, which strongly suggests his primary role is to provide experienced depth for the Reno Aces.

Ross’s career has been a marathon of resilience. He has undergone two Tommy John surgeries, making his continued presence on the mound a testament to his dedication. The Diamondbacks’ pitching development staff, which has excelled at maximizing value, will likely focus on refining his secondary offerings and managing his workload. His path to the 2026 roster is narrow but not impossible:

• Spring Training Impression: He must show markedly improved command and a reinvigorated slider to force his way into consideration.
• Injury Insurance: He is a seasoned arm who can eat innings in a long-relief or spot-start role if the big-league staff encounters turbulence.
• Clubhouse Presence: His playoff and World Series experience is an intangible asset for a young pitching corps with postseason aspirations.

Realistically, Ross begins the year in Triple-A, but in the grueling 162-game season, his phone could ring.

Outfield Reinforcement: Oscar Mercado’s Second Act

Another late addition, Oscar Mercado, addresses a clear area of need. Despite being born in Venezuela, Mercado was a 2011 draft pick by the Cardinals. He burst onto the scene with Cleveland in 2019, delivering a solid campaign that earned him down-ballot Rookie of the Year votes. Since then, however, his career has navigated replacement-level waters, with his last MLB appearance dating back to July 2023.

Mercado spent 2025 with the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate, slashing .249/.369/.373 for a .741 OPS with 18 stolen bases in 115 games. The .369 on-base percentage is the standout figure here, demonstrating a patient approach that could be valuable. Now 31, Mercado finds himself in an ideal situation. The Diamondbacks’ 40-man roster is notably short on outfielders behind the starting trio, leaving the fourth and fifth spots genuinely up for grabs.

Mercado’s invitation is far from ceremonial. He brings elite defense at all three outfield positions and proven base-stealing ability. His spring competition will be fierce, but his skill set is distinct. If he can translate that Triple-A patience and rediscover even a hint of his 2019 contact skills, he has a legitimate shot to break camp as a versatile, defensive-minded bench piece for manager Torey Lovullo.

The Catcher Contingent: From Emergency Glass to Rising Canadian

Behind the plate, the D-backs have assembled a trio of non-roster catchers who represent different stages of the organizational ladder.

First, there’s the known commodity: José Herrera. The name rings a bell for D-backs fans because his 2025 tenure was a whirlwind. He was selected, made a single appearance, and was designated for assignment twice in June alone. The subsequent signing of James McCann solidified the backup role, and Herrera finished the year as the primary catcher for the Reno Aces (56 games). Re-signed in November, he resumes his role as the definitive emergency catcher—a reliable defender and clubhouse presence tucked away in Triple-A, ready if the hammer needs to break the glass.

More intriguing is the journey of Canadian catcher Gavin Logan. Born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, the 2022 ninth-round pick had a nomadic 2025 season. He changed levels four times between June and August, famously bypassing Double-A entirely for not one, but two direct promotions from High-A to Triple-A Reno before settling in Amarillo. Across three levels, the 26-year-old posted a .754 OPS with eight homers in 65 games, showcasing promising pop from behind the plate.

Logan’s spring invite is a reward for his adaptability and performance. He is not expected to challenge for an MLB job yet, but his 2026 trajectory is clear:

• Secure the Double-A Job: Start the season as the everyday catcher in Amarillo.
• Develop Consistency: Prove his offensive surge and defensive game-calling can be sustained over a full season at a stable level.
• Aim for a Permanent Triple-A Promotion: By season’s end, position himself as Herrera’s successor in Reno and enter the conversation as a future backup option in Arizona.

His development is a storyline for purists, a testament to the unpredictable and rewarding paths through the minors.

Spring Predictions and Final Analysis

As we wrap up our review of the 2026 non-roster invitees, the strategy is clear. The Diamondbacks have built a multi-layered safety net with these signings. The late additions of Ross and Mercado are low-risk, potential high-reward moves that provide immediate veteran alternatives in Reno. The catching group offers immediate emergency depth (Herrera) and a mid-term prospect (Logan).

Here are our final predictions for the players in Part 5:

• Joe Ross: Begins the season as a starter in Reno. He will be among the first calls if a spot start or bulk innings are needed, but he faces an uphill battle to claim a permanent MLB bullpen role without injuries ahead of him.
• Oscar Mercado: Has the best chance of this group to make the Opening Day roster. His defense and speed fill a specific need, and his strong spring could easily earn him the fourth outfielder job.
• José Herrera: The captain of the Reno Aces’ battery. He will be a leader in Triple-A and remain on the shortlist for a recall should the MLB catching situation face a crisis.
• Gavin Logan: Returns to Amarillo to master Double-A pitching. A strong first half could see him in Reno by mid-summer, setting the stage for a potential 2027 debut.

The collection of non-roster invitees for 2026 tells a story of an organization that is both confident in its core and meticulously prepared for the unforeseen. They have blended intriguing youth with experienced veterans who have something to prove. While most will start the year in the minors, their presence strengthens the entire organization, creating competition in spring and ensuring that the Arizona Diamondbacks are insulated against the inevitable challenges of a long season. In baseball, depth is currency, and the D-backs have added some valuable late coins to their purse.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.