Tigers Sign Right-Hander José Urquidy to One-Year, $1M Contract
The Detroit Tigers have added depth to their pitching staff with the signing of right-handed pitcher José Urquidy to a one-year, $1 million contract. This move marks an important step in the Tigers’ ongoing efforts to strengthen their rotation and improve their overall pitching depth for the upcoming season.
Urquidy, 29, is a proven major league starter with a strong track record of success at the highest level. The Mexican right-hander was previously with the Houston Astros, where he spent the last several seasons contributing to one of the most formidable pitching staffs in Major League Baseball. Urquidy’s career has been marked by consistency, and while he may not be a top ace, he brings reliable innings and experience, which are crucial for a team like the Tigers looking to solidify their pitching corps.
Over the course of his career, Urquidy has posted a respectable 3.94 ERA in 77 appearances, including 60 starts. His time with the Astros has seen him contribute significantly to the team’s postseason success, including a key role in the 2021 World Series, where Urquidy delivered critical innings. His ability to pitch effectively in big-game situations is a major asset for a Tigers team that is in the midst of a rebuild and seeking stability in its pitching staff.
Urquidy’s repertoire includes a solid mix of pitches, with his fastball reaching the mid-90s and a sharp slider that can be a key swing-and-miss offering. His control has been one of his strongest attributes throughout his career, which makes him an intriguing option for the Tigers. In 2023, Urquidy posted a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts, but a shoulder injury limited his season, keeping him off the mound for a significant portion of the year. However, when healthy, Urquidy has shown that he can be an effective back-end starter who can eat innings and keep his team in games.
The one-year deal with the Tigers offers Urquidy the chance to re-establish his value in a new environment, while providing Detroit with a cost-effective way to improve their rotation without committing long-term resources. For Urquidy, the contract provides an opportunity to prove that he can stay healthy and continue his productive career. If he can stay on the field and maintain his form, he could become an important piece for the Tigers moving forward, even beyond this season.
For the Tigers, this signing is a calculated move to bolster their starting rotation without making a long-term commitment. With a young core of pitchers in place, Urquidy’s experience and leadership could help guide the next generation of Tigers pitchers. His steady presence in the rotation should help stabilize a unit that has shown flashes of potential but has also struggled with consistency.
General manager Scott Harris and the Tigers’ front office continue to make moves that signal a focus on building a competitive team for the future. The signing of Urquidy is part of a broader effort to build a strong, well-rounded roster capable of contending in the American League Central. While this contract is low-risk, it has the potential to pay off for both Urquidy and the Tigers if the pitcher can stay healthy and perform at a high level.
As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on Urquidy as he joins the Tigers’ pitching staff and attempts to show that he still has plenty left in the tank. His ability to provide consistent innings will be crucial as the Tigers aim to improve their pitching depth and competitiveness in the coming season.
