Tigers Sever Ties with World Series Champion Pitcher
The Detroit Tigers have chosen not to retain veteran pitcher José Urquidy after an injury-plagued run with the team. The club declined a $4 million option for next season, making the 30-year-old right-hander a free agent once again.
Career Highs and Setbacks
Just three years ago, Urquidy was celebrating a World Series title with the Houston Astros. That 2022 campaign remains his last healthy season. He appeared in only 16 games in 2023 and missed all of the following year due to Tommy John surgery.
Short Tenure in Detroit
This season, Urquidy managed only two outings with Detroit, surrendering two earned runs in 2⅓ innings. Despite limited big-league play, he performed well in the minors, posting a 2.91 ERA over 21⅔ innings combined with Class-A Lakeland and Triple-A Toledo.
Postseason Pedigree
Urquidy has long been known for his October experience. From 2019 to 2023, he made postseason appearances each year with Houston. His career playoff record stands at 4–2, with a 4.08 ERA across 15 outings spanning 46⅓ innings.
“Urquidy was the winning pitcher in Games 2 and 5 of the 2021 World Series, the only two games Houston won in that Fall Classic loss to the Atlanta Braves.”
Summary
Once a key postseason arm for Houston, José Urquidy now seeks a new start after Detroit declined his option, ending a brief and injury-marked Tigers tenure.