The Tigers made a depth signing on March 8, as veteran starter Jose Urquidy is coming to Detroit on a short-term deal. Urquidy, who will likely miss most of 2025, comes to the Tigers after a tough 2023 campaign and succumbing to UCL reconstruction last summer.
A Look at Urquidy
For the most part, Jose Urquidy was a highly valuable middle-of-the-rotation arm for the Houston Astros. The 29-year-old rose to prominence in 2019, particularly in the postseason, as Urquidy gave up just one run over 12 frames and looked impressive in October baseball.
The ex-Astro became a valuable innings-eater over the next three seasons. In 2022, Urquidy threw a career-high 164.1 IP. He posted a 3.94 ERA that season but also conceded 29 home runs, fourth-most in the American League.
Injuries would define his next two seasons. Urquidy had shoulder problems in 2023, then dealt with a forearm strain in 2024 that ultimately culminated in Tommy John surgery in the summer. Because of that, Urquidy will likely miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season.
The new Tiger is a very interesting pitcher for a few reasons. Urquidy boasts a four-seam fastball that can touch the mid-90s from an over-the-top delivery and has high carry (19.5” average IVB in 2023). However, the former Astro doesn’t miss a lot of bats. As a matter of fact, he finished with the tenth-lowest Whiff% (22.3%) among qualified pitchers in 2022.
He’ll often work in the zone, whether it be with the fastball — which, to little shock, leads to a lot of fly balls and home runs — or with a good curveball that generally has good depth. That curveball was an important option for him in 2023, as batters only hit .174 off it.
Urquidy also threw considerably more sinkers in 2023, exclusively against right-handed hitters. It’s more of a true two-seamer, one with high induced break (13.6”) and less sink. His sinker does have run, making it a weapon to jam hitters in.
Additionally, Urquidy worked in a changeup and sweeper when healthy.
When clicking, Urquidy’s stuff can get hitters to chase; he ranked in the 90th percentile of that category in 2023. He’s never been known to be an elite strikeout pitcher and likely won’t be. But, Urquidy could fit well in Detroit. By the way, Urquidy will be reunited with A.J. Hinch, his first manager in the Majors with Houston.
Per the Tigers, Jose Urquidy took a one-year deal worth $1MM, one that includes a $4MM club option for 2026. Urquidy could receive up to $950,000 in performance bonuses in 2026.
Analysis
The Tigers buy themselves rotation security for the second half of 2025 and likely all of 2026.
Detroit may see Jack Flaherty jump back into free agency after 2025, while Alex Cobb is only signed on a one-year deal. Tarik Skubal may very well get another substantial bump-up next winter, in what will be his final arbitration-eligible year. So, an arm like Urquidy, who could cost the Tigers a maximum of $4.95MM, isn’t a bad back-end option for 2026.
As for Urquidy, Detroit isn’t a bad landing spot. Comerica Park is one of the more pitcher-friendly ballparks, and given his fly-ball tendencies, he could play well there.