Julio Urias Aims for MLB Return Amid Domestic Violence Allegations

Once a shining star on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Julio Urias now finds himself on the outside looking in. Domestic violence allegations have cast a long shadow over his career.

At just 28, the left-handed pitcher is trying to make a comeback to Major League Baseball (MLB) after a second arrest for domestic violence in 2023. People keep comparing him to other players who’ve faced similar controversies, but Urias’s future in professional baseball feels up in the air right now.

The Rise and Fall of Julio Urias

Julio Urias made a name for himself with the Dodgers, becoming a crucial part of their pitching rotation and helping them win the 2020 World Series. His mix of talent and poise set him apart, and he seemed like he could be one of the league’s best for a long time.

Things started to go off track in 2019, when he faced his first domestic violence allegation. That incident drew a lot of scrutiny, but he kept playing.

In 2023, police arrested Urias again under similar circumstances. This second incident shattered the goodwill he’d built and led to quick consequences.

The Dodgers put him on the restricted list and then terminated his contract. That move ended Urias’s time with the team and left his future in MLB—and pro baseball in general—looking pretty murky.

A Path Filled with Obstacles

Urias’s legal troubles have changed how teams and fans see him. Public opinion in the U.S. is mostly unfavorable, especially with the growing focus on holding athletes accountable for what they do off the field.

Any hopes of returning to MLB look tough for Urias. Even for a pitcher with his track record, rebuilding trust with fans and organizations is a huge challenge.

There’s also the issue of Urias’s lack of recent baseball activity. As of 2025, he hasn’t thrown in official bullpen sessions or taken the mound for tests.

That absence raises questions about whether he’s physically ready. Without recent on-field performance, finding a new opportunity might mean looking outside the U.S.

Exploring Opportunities Beyond MLB

Urias reportedly wants to keep playing, but his path to redemption might have to start overseas. People keep bringing up Trevor Bauer, another MLB pitcher whose career got derailed by off-field issues.

Bauer found success in Japan’s NPB and has even considered playing in Korea. Urias could end up taking a similar route if MLB doors stay closed.

Leading Contenders for Urias’s Services

Japanese outlet “Tokyo Sports” says Urias may check out leagues in Mexico, Japan, or Korea. Heading back to Mexico—his home country—could give him a chance to rebuild his reputation and get back in shape with more support.

Japan’s NPB and Korea’s KBO League are both competitive and have given former MLB players a shot at starting over. Urias might find a lifeline there if he needs one.

Some MLB teams have reportedly shown interest, but Urias might have to settle for a minor league contract and an invite to spring training in 2026. That could let him prove he still belongs at baseball’s top level, while working on repairing his image.

The Road Ahead: Reputation and Redemption

Despite his age and what he’s achieved, Julio Urias faces a tough climb to revive his career. Any team thinking about signing him will have to weigh ethics, public reaction, and whether he’s still got the skills.

Urias needs to show he can deliver on the mound again—and, just as importantly, that he’s grown as a person. That’s the only way he’ll have a shot at winning back fans and earning another chance in pro baseball.

Can Urias Reclaim His Spot in Major League Baseball?

Julio Urias’s situation says a lot about how accountability is changing in pro sports. Athletic talent still matters, but these days, character and public perception weigh just as much when teams decide who to keep around.

If Urias wants to return to MLB, he’ll have to face these challenges directly. Rebuilding trust and respect—both with fans and teammates—won’t be easy, on or off the field.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Julio Urias seeks MLB comeback despite domestic violence allegations