The Detroit Tigers have bolstered their pitching depth by signing former Houston Astros right-hander José Urquidy to a one-year, $1 million contract with a $4 million club option for 2026 that includes performance-based incentives. Urquidy, who underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2025, has been placed on the 60-day injured list as he continues his rehab process. While a return later in the season isn’t ruled out, the contract’s structure suggests that the Tigers are focused on 2026 for his full contribution.
Urquidy’s 2026 option is tied to performance bonuses based on the number of starts he makes. These bonuses include $150,000 for four and seven starts, $300,000 for 10, 13, 16, and 19 starts, and $500,000 for 22, 25, and 29 starts. If Urquidy completes a full season, he could earn up to $7 million.
On the mound, Urquidy is known for his deceptive delivery and five-pitch mix. His main pitch is a 93-mph four-seam fastball, complemented by an elite changeup (with a 35% whiff rate in 2023 before his injury), a sweeper (37% whiff rate), a curveball, and a sinker. Urquidy also brings significant postseason experience, including three World Series titles. He has a 4-2 record with a 4.08 ERA in 15 postseason appearances, eight of which were starts.
Urquidy made 79 appearances, including 70 starts, for the Astros from 2019 to 2023, breaking into the majors under manager A.J. Hinch. In 2022, he had a standout year, going 13-9 with a 3.94 ERA across 28 starts, accounting for half of his career wins. However, a right shoulder injury limited him to just 10 starts in 2023, and he missed the 2024 season.
With Urquidy rehabbing, the Tigers’ Opening Day rotation looks set to feature Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, and Reese Olson. Top prospect Jackson Jobe is closing in on the No. 4 spot in the rotation. The Tigers are also considering Casey Mize, Kenta Maeda, and Keider Montero for the final spot with Alex Cobb out to start the year. To clear a roster spot for Urquidy, the Tigers placed right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long on the 60-day injured list as he recovers from left hip labral repair and Tommy John surgery.
