Tigers decline option on former World Series champion

The Detroit Tigers informed right-hander José Urquidy that they are declining his $4 million option, the pitcher told reporters in Mexico yesterday (video provided by Michael Lugo). The team has not officially announced the decision. Detroit has also yet to announce its decision on Paul Sewald, although it will certainly buy him out for $1 million rather than exercise the end of a $10 million mutual option.

Urquidy was recovering from the second Tommy John surgery of his career when Detroit signed him to a $1 million contract last March. They knew he would miss almost the entire 2025 campaign. They guaranteed him a little more than the league minimum for his rehab year, while exercising the club option to provide a potential source of cheap innings in 2026. The move also reunited Urquidy with AJ Hinch, his former manager in Houston.

The 30-year-old right back did return to the mound at the end of the season. He pitched twice from the bullpen in September, giving up two runs with three strikeouts and walking each over 2 1/3 innings. His fastball averaged 93 mph, which is right on par with his velocity from his days with the Astros. He didn’t have to maintain that speed for a full start, but it’s also not surprising that his performance would decline marginally in his first few outings after elbow surgery.

Regardless, the Tigers weren’t so impressed with his form that they wanted to commit $4 million at the start of the offseason. They could try to return later in the winter, but for now they are keeping their options open. Tarik Skubal will anchor the staff barring a shocking transaction. Jack Flaherty exercised his $20 million player option, although the Tigers could acquire him if they wanted to free up payroll space for a bigger turnaround in the rotation. Reese Olson, Casey Mize and second-year Troy Melton project as the final three starters. Keider Montero and Sawyer Gipson-Long are their arms at the highest depth. Jackson Jobe may return from Tommy John surgery in the second half.

Urquidy can now hear from all 30 teams as he looks for a rotation option. Before the injury, he was a solid fourth starter. Urquidy delivered an earned run average of just under 4.00 in more than 400 innings pitched over parts of five seasons in Houston. He gave up a few too many home runs and didn’t miss many bats, but he is attacking the strike zone and has neutralized opposing hitters on an excellent changeup. He should be able to find a contract full of incentives in the big league. A non-contender like the Washington Nationals, Minnesota Twins or Chicago White Sox could make the most sense by offering the clearest path to a rotation spot.