Tigers To Decline Option On Jose Urquidy

The Tigers informed right-hander José Urquidy that they’re declining his $4MM option, the pitcher told reporters in Mexico yesterday (video provided by Miguel Lugo). The team has not officially announced the decision. Detroit also has yet to announce their move on Paul Sewald, though they’re certainly going to buy him out for $1MM rather than exercise their end of a $10MM mutual option.

Urquidy was recovering from the second Tommy John surgery of his career when Detroit signed him to a $1MM deal last March. They knew he’d miss almost all of the 2025 campaign. They guaranteed him a little more than the league minimum for his rehab year while tacking on the club option to provide a potential source of cheap innings in 2026. The move also reunited Urquidy with A.J. Hinch, his former manager in Houston.

The 30-year-old righty did make it back to the mound at the end of the season. He pitched twice out of the bullpen in September, surrendering two runs with three strikeouts and walks apiece across 2 1/3 innings. His fastball averaged 93 MPH, which is right in line with his velocity from his days with the Astros. He didn’t need to hold that velocity over a full start, but it’s also not surprising that his stuff would be marginally down in his first couple outings back from elbow surgery.

In any case, the Tigers weren’t so impressed with his form that they wanted to commit $4MM at the beginning of the offseason. They could try to circle back later in the winter, but they’ll keep their options open for the time being. Tarik Skubal will anchor the staff barring a shocking trade. Jack Flaherty exercised his $20MM player option, though the Tigers could shop him if they want to clear payroll space for a bigger swing in the rotation. Reese Olson, Casey Mize and second-year righty Troy Melton project as the final three starters. Keider Montero and Sawyer Gipson-Long are their top depth arms. Jackson Jobe might return from Tommy John surgery in the second half.

Urquidy can now hear from all 30 teams as he looks for a rotation opportunity. He was a solid fourth starter before the injury. Urquidy turned in an earned run average just below 4.00 in more than 400 innings over parts of five seasons in Houston. He gave up a few too many home runs and didn’t miss a ton of bats, but he attacks the strike zone and has neutralized opposite-handed hitters behind an excellent changeup. He should be able to find an incentive-laden big league deal. A non-contender like the Nationals, Twins or White Sox might make the most sense by offering the clearest path to a rotation spot.