Pirates Sign José Urquidy in 2026 to Bolster Rotation

This article digs into the Pittsburgh Pirates’ latest move: signing right-handed pitcher José Urquidy on a one-year, $1.5 million deal with some possible incentives. It looks at Urquidy’s earlier success with the Houston Astros, the injuries that derailed him, and his attempt to bounce back with the Detroit Tigers.

Urquidy’s Journey: From Astros Ace to Comeback Kid

José Urquidy really flashed potential as a starter for the Houston Astros. A lot of folks in baseball still talk about those days.

During 2021 and 2022, he kept showing up and getting the job done on the mound. He was just solid, game in and game out.

The Astros Heyday: A Glimpse of Dominance

In his best stretch with Houston, Urquidy made 48 starts over two seasons. He posted a 3.81 ERA, a 20.3% strikeout rate, and a 5.2% walk rate.

He limited baserunners and racked up outs, which made him a real asset in that Astros rotation. His command stood out, honestly—he worked hard with coaches, including the familiar Bill Murphy.

The Crushing Blows: A Battle with Injuries

Things took a tough turn for Urquidy in 2023 when injuries started to pile up. Those setbacks kept him off the field for long stretches.

The Road to Recovery: Setbacks and Small Victories

It all started with a rough shoulder injury, which is never good news for a pitcher. Then came an elbow injury that led to Tommy John surgery in 2024, and that wiped out his whole season.

He tried to come back in 2025 with the Detroit Tigers on a one-year deal. In the minors, he looked sharp, putting up a 2.91 ERA, a 22.2% strikeout rate, and a 6.2% walk rate over 21 2/3 innings.

But his big-league return was short—just 2 1/3 innings before trouble popped up again. The Tigers passed on their club option for 2026, and Urquidy hit free agency.

The Pirates’ Play: A Low-Cost, High-Reward Bet

The Pirates grabbed Urquidy for $1.5 million (plus incentives), taking a calculated shot on his upside. They’re hoping a new setting and a clean slate will help him rediscover some of that old form.

Leveraging Unique Strengths and Favorable Conditions

Urquidy’s pitching profile stands out for his pronounced reverse splits, which mostly come from his heavy use of the changeup. Left-handed hitters just haven’t figured him out, managing only a .203/.257/.362 slash line against him.

Right-handers, on the other hand, have fared better, hitting .267/.314/.468. That difference really shows how he matches up against certain hitters.

Now, he’s moving from Houston—a place where hitters feast—to Pittsburgh’s PNC Park, a much friendlier environment for pitchers. That should help keep right-handed power numbers in check, and honestly, it might give Urquidy a real edge.

The Pirates already have a solid group of starters: Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Bubba Chandler, and Braxton Ashcraft. They see Urquidy as someone who could snag a rotation spot or serve as a valuable swingman.

He brings some veteran know-how and, maybe just as important, he’s worked with pitching coach Bill Murphy before. Their time together in Houston from 2021 to 2024 means there’s some built-in trust and understanding.

Getting to reunite with Murphy gives Urquidy a familiar, supportive setting as he keeps working back into a big-league role. The Pirates are hoping he can bounce back to his old self, and while it’s a bit of a gamble, the payoff could be huge for their staff.

 
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