Photo Credit: Detroit Free Press

In a surprising move, the Tigers announced today that the organization has signed former Houston Astros right-handed pitcher Jose Urquidy to a Major League deal for one year worth $1 million. This deal also has a club option worth $4 million that also includes incentives for the 2026 season. 

Urquidy has shown flashes before in his career, as he owns a career 3.98 ERA in 79 major league appearances (70 starts) with one save. Unlike other former Astros targets, Urquidy and Tigers manager A.J Hinch have a short history together, as Hinch only managed Urquidy back in 2019 before Hinch was suspended and fired for the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal. 

Urquidy missed all of last season after requiring Tommy John Surgery last June after having arm discomfort in Spring Training. In Urquidy’s last season pitched back in 2023, he had a 3-3 record with a 5.29 ERA in 63 innings pitched. 

Due to the surgery back in June, Urquidy will begin the season on the 60-day injured list and won’t factor into the ongoing pitching competition this spring in Lakeland. There is a chance that Urquidy could pitch for the Tigers this season, however, many expect that he won’t be ready until closer to the end of the season. This will give Tigers pitching coach Chris Fetter an opportunity to see how Urquidy’s rehab goes, while also seeing how the Tiger’s pitching magic can shape Urquidy into a quality pitcher for the Tigers in 2026. 

The Tigers under Scott Harris have shown that they are becoming a forward thinking organization. This deal shows that the Tigers are not just focused on helping the team this season, but are also looking to help build pitching depth for the Tigers of the future as well.