Tigers sever ties with World Series champion pitcher

Tigers Sever Ties with World Series Champion Pitcher

The Detroit Tigers decided not to bring back José Urquidy, a decorated starting pitcher who struggled with injuries over recent seasons. Three years ago, Urquidy was at the peak of his career, but now he is seeking to revive his form.

Career Highlights and Recent Challenges

Urquidy was part of the Houston Astros' rotation when they won the 2022 World Series, which marked his last full healthy season. Since then, he has faced significant setbacks:

Made only 16 appearances in 2023
Missed the entire previous season due to Tommy John surgery
Appeared in only two games for the Tigers in the current season

Contract and Performance Details

The Tigers had a $4 million club option for Urquidy for the upcoming season but declined it, making him a free agent for the second consecutive offseason.

Urquidy allowed two earned runs over 2⅓ innings at the major league level this season. In the minors, he showed promise during rehab stints with a 2.91 ERA over 21⅔ innings for Class-A Lakeland and Triple-A Toledo.

Postseason Experience

Despite limited recent innings, the 30-year-old has consistently contributed in postseason play from 2019 through 2023. His career postseason stats include:

4-2 win-loss record
4.08 ERA in 15 appearances
46⅓ innings pitched

"Urquidy was the winning pitcher in Games 2 and 5 of the 2021 World Series, the only two games Houston won in that Fall Classic loss to the Atlanta Braves."

This past performance highlights his potential impact when healthy and in form.

Author's summary: Once a key World Series contributor, José Urquidy faces a critical juncture in his career after injury struggles and the Detroit Tigers' decision to decline his contract option.

Newsweek — 2025-11-08