CONTRACT TERMINATED: Detroit Tigers One-Year Contract With Right-Hander José Urquidy Costing $1 Million Has Been Declined… Read Details
In a surprising move, the Detroit Tigers have officially declined the one-year, $1 million contract offer to right-handed pitcher José Urquidy, bringing an end to their brief association with the 29-year-old pitcher. Urquidy, who had been with the Tigers on a short-term deal for the 2025 season, will now become a free agent after the team opted not to pick up his contract.
The decision, while somewhat unexpected, comes as the Tigers look to adjust their roster in pursuit of long-term improvements. The contract, which was initially agreed upon in the offseason, was structured as a low-risk, high-reward deal to add depth to Detroit’s pitching staff. However, after evaluating Urquidy’s performance during the early stages of the season, the Tigers have determined that parting ways is in the best interest of both the player and the organization.
José Urquidy, a former Houston Astros pitcher known for his consistency and reliability on the mound, joined the Tigers with the hopes of contributing to their starting rotation. Despite his solid reputation and playoff experience, Urquidy struggled to find his rhythm in Detroit, leading to his release after just a short stint with the team. His performance, marked by inconsistent outings and a higher-than-expected ERA, ultimately led the Tigers to opt out of his contract.
The decision to decline Urquidy’s contract is part of the Tigers’ broader efforts to reshape their pitching staff. While Urquidy showed flashes of his potential with Houston, including playing a key role in their World Series win, the Tigers have decided to go in a different direction as they continue to rebuild for the future.
The Tigers’ front office expressed appreciation for Urquidy’s contributions but emphasized their focus on youth and development moving forward. “We appreciate everything José brought to the team during his time with us, and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors,” said Tigers GM Al Avila in a statement. “Our focus remains on building a competitive team for the long term, and sometimes that means making difficult decisions like this one.”
With his contract now terminated, Urquidy will enter free agency and have the opportunity to sign with another team. His playoff experience, combined with his past success with the Astros, makes him an intriguing option for teams looking to add depth to their rotation. Though his time with the Tigers was brief, Urquidy’s next opportunity could prove to be a fresh start with a new club.
For the Detroit Tigers, this move represents another step in their ongoing rebuilding process as they seek to improve their pitching staff and overall roster. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team continues to reshape its lineup in the coming months.
