Tigers sever ties with World Series champion pitcher

Tigers End Partnership with José Urquidy

The Detroit Tigers have decided not to renew their tenure with starting pitcher José Urquidy after an underwhelming season. Once celebrated as a World Series champion with the Houston Astros, Urquidy now seeks a path back to full form.

Career Context

Three years ago, Urquidy stood at the peak of his career as part of the 2022 World Series–winning Houston Astros rotation. Since then, his progress has been hampered by injuries and recovery. His last fully healthy season dates back to that championship run.

Injury Struggles

Urquidy made only 16 appearances in 2023, missed the following season due to Tommy John surgery, and this year managed just two outings with Detroit. Throughout his brief major league time with the Tigers, he allowed two earned runs over 2 1/3 innings.

Contract Decision

The Tigers declined their $4 million club option for Urquidy’s 2026 season, officially making him a free agent for the second consecutive offseason.

Minor League Efforts

Despite limited MLB action, Urquidy showed improvement in the minors, recording a 2.91 ERA across 21 2/3 innings with Class-A Lakeland and Triple-A Toledo. These performances hinted at progress but weren’t enough to secure his spot in Detroit’s rotation.

Postseason Legacy

Between 2019 and 2023, Urquidy consistently contributed in the Astros’ playoff runs, building a 4–2 record with a 4.08 ERA across 15 postseason appearances. His most notable success came in 2021:

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.

Now 30, Urquidy’s next chapter will depend on his recovery and ability to find consistent form after years of setbacks.

Author’s Summary

Once a key arm for Houston’s championship team, José Urquidy faces free agency again as Detroit moves on, leaving him aiming to revive his career after a long injury stretch.

Newsweek — 2025-11-08