Pirates and pitcher José Urquidy ink $1.5 million, 1-year contract
The Pittsburgh Pirates have secured a deal with José Urquidy, finalizing a $1.5 million, one-year contract. This agreement was reached last week, pending a successful physical examination.
The 30-year-old right-hander Urquidy brings valuable depth to the Pirates' pitching staff, led by NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes. His versatility is an added bonus, as he can be optioned to the minor leagues, providing the team with roster flexibility.
Urquidy's journey to the majors has been a bit of a rollercoaster. He underwent Tommy John surgery on June 5, 2024, while playing for the Houston Astros. Before that, he signed a $1 million, one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers in March and made his return to the big leagues on September 14, 2024. During his brief stint, he appeared in two games as a reliever, posting an ERA of 7.71 over 2 1/3 innings.
With the Astros from 2019 to 2023, Urquidy has a solid record, boasting a 27-16 record and a 4.00 ERA in 70 starts and 11 relief appearances. However, he did spend some time on the injured list in 2024 due to a forearm strain, which led to the surgery.
Despite his recent setbacks, Urquidy has a proven track record in the postseason, with a 4.08 ERA in 15 appearances, including eight starts. This contract marks a new chapter in his career, and the Pirates are hoping he can contribute to their success in the upcoming season.
