Tigers' Pitching Decisions Highlight Uncertainty for 2026
José Urquidy is now a free agent after the Tigers declined his $4 million club option for 2026. Earlier in spring training, the team signed him to a one-year, $1 million contract with a $4 million option despite his June 2024 Tommy John surgery and expected late summer return.
Ultimately, both Urquidy and Alex Cobb became part of a group of underused pitchers whose signings were questioned from the start. Cobb did not pitch at all during the 2025 season. Urquidy appeared in only 2⅓ innings after returning from the injured list in September, posting a 7.71 ERA before accepting a voluntary minor league assignment.
Paul Sewald, acquired from the Guardians at the trade deadline, also faced setbacks. The Tigers placed him on the 60-day injured list immediately after the trade, and he pitched just 4⅓ innings after being reinstated in September.
Pitching Staff Instability
The Tigers' bullpen strategy was chaotic and difficult to understand, with frequent and seemingly random moves between the majors and minors. Urquidy's demotion was a clear indicator of his uncertain future with the team in 2026.
“Urquidy's demotion certainly didn't bode well for his status with the team in 2026.”
These moves suggest the Tigers are facing challenges in solidifying their pitching staff for the upcoming season.
Author's summary: The Tigers' handling of veteran pitchers like Urquidy, Cobb, and Sewald reveals significant uncertainties and instability in their 2026 pitching roster.