The Detroit Tigers are adding more pitching depth by signing former Houston Astros right-hander José Urquidy to a one-year, $1 million contract with an incentive-laden $4 million club option for 2026. Urquidy, who underwent Tommy John surgery on June 5, has been placed on the 60-day injured list as he continues his rehab. While a return later this season isn’t out of the question, the structure of the low-risk deal suggests a stronger focus on 2026. To clear a roster spot for Urquidy, the Tigers also placed right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long on the 60-day IL as he recovers from left hip labral repair and Tommy John surgery.
Tigers Sign José Urquidy
Urquidy’s 2026 option includes performance bonuses based on the number of starts he makes: an additional $150,000 if he reaches four and seven starts; $300,000 for passing 10, 13, 16, and 19 starts; and $500,000 for reaching 22, 25, and 29 starts. If he completes a full season, he could earn up to $7 million.
On the mound, Urquidy attacks hitters with a deceptive delivery and a five-pitch mix. His arsenal is headlined by a 93-mph four-seam fastball, complemented by an elite changeup (35% whiff rate in 2023 before the injury), a sweeper (37% whiff rate), a curveball, and a sinker. He also brings valuable postseason experience, including three World Series victories. He has gone 4-2 with a 4.08 ERA in 15 postseason outings, including eight starts.
Urquidy pitched in 79 games, including 70 starts, for the Astros from 2019-2023, breaking into the majors under then-manager A.J. Hinch. Half of his 27 career wins came in 2022, when he went 13-9 with a 3.94 ERA across 28 starts. However, he was limited to 10 starts in 2023 due to a right shoulder injury and before missing the 2024 season.
With Urquidy rehabbing, the Tigers will enter the season with Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, and Reese Olson as locks for the Opening Day rotation. Top prospect Jackson Jobe is closing in on the No. 4 spot, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press . With Alex Cobb out to start the year, Casey Mize, Kenta Maeda, and Keider Montero are competing for the final rotation spot.
Main Photo: © Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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