The Detroit Tigers have strengthened their pitching staff by securing former Houston Astros right-hander José Urquidy on a one-year contract worth $1 million. The deal includes a club option for 2026 that could add another $4 million based on performance incentives. Urquidy, who underwent Tommy John surgery on June 5, has been placed on the 60-day injured list as he continues his rehabilitation. While a return to the mound later in the season remains a possibility, the contract structure suggests that the primary focus is on his contributions in 2026. To make room for Urquidy on the roster, the Tigers also moved right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long to the 60-day IL as he recovers from both Tommy John surgery and left hip labral repair.
Tigers Bring in José Urquidy
The option for 2026 includes additional financial incentives tied to the number of starts Urquidy makes. He can earn $150,000 for reaching four and seven starts, $300,000 for surpassing 10, 13, 16, and 19 starts, and an extra $500,000 for hitting 22, 25, and 29 starts. If he completes an entire season, his earnings could reach a maximum of $7 million.
Urquidy is known for his deceptive delivery and versatile five-pitch mix. His repertoire includes a four-seam fastball averaging 93 mph, an elite changeup that registered a 35% whiff rate before his injury in 2023, a sweeper with a 37% whiff rate, a curveball, and a sinker. Additionally, his postseason experience is valuable, as he boasts three World Series victories. Over 15 postseason appearances, including eight starts, Urquidy has compiled a 4-2 record with a 4.08 ERA.
From 2019 to 2023, Urquidy appeared in 79 games for the Astros, making 70 starts. His major league debut came under the leadership of then-manager A.J. Hinch. His most successful season was in 2022, when he recorded a 13-9 record with a 3.94 ERA across 28 starts. However, injuries have recently hampered his career. He was limited to just 10 starts in 2023 due to a right shoulder injury and is expected to miss the 2024 season while recovering from surgery.
With Urquidy unavailable, the Tigers will begin the season with Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, and Reese Olson as definite members of their Opening Day rotation. According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, top prospect Jackson Jobe is closing in on securing the No. 4 spot. Meanwhile, with Alex Cobb sidelined at the start of the season, Casey Mize, Kenta Maeda, and Keider Montero are in contention for the final spot in the rotation.
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