DETROIT — Veteran starting pitcher José Urquidy has signed a one-year major-league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Urquidy, 30, signed with the Tigers during last year’s spring training as he continued his rehab from Tommy John elbow surgery. But he ultimately made only a cameo appearance with the big league club. The Tigers opted not to exercise a $4 million contract for 2026. The deal he signed with the Pirates is reportedly worth $1.5 million plus incentives.
The Mazatlán, Mexico, native debuted with the Houston Astros in 2019 under then-manager A.J. Hinch, making 14 appearances (12 starts) over his first two seasons. He broke out in 2021, going 8-3 with a 3.62 ERA in 20 starts and becoming the first Mexican-born pitcher to win multiple World Series games. In 2022, he set career highs with 13 wins and 164 1/3 innings, helping Houston to another championship.
Urquidy struggled in 2023 and then missed the entire 2024 season with a forearm injury that ultimately required surgery. After the season, he was removed from Houston’s roster and elected free agency.
After a lengthy rehab outing, Urquidy joined the Tigers’ active roster in mid-September but pitched in only two games out of the bullpen before being returned to Triple-A Toledo.
The Pirates signed Urquidy after missing on Framber Valdez, who signed with the Tigers. Urquidy and Valdez were longtime teammates in Houston.