Gio Urshela nearly reunited with hated former team after surprising Tigers DFA

The Detroit Tigers signed Gio Urshela in February to add some veteran stability at third base in the midst of their youth movement. Six months later, he became a casualty of that youth movement.

The Tigers designated Urshela for assignment Aug. 16, the same day they promoted infield prospects Jace Jung and Trey Sweeney from Triple-A Toldedo for their MLB debuts. Urshela was a fan favorite despite struggling at the plate during his time in Detroit, slashing .243/.286/.333 with just five home runs in 300 at-bats.

Timing is everything, of course, and Urshela was able to land a new Major League deal with the injury-depleted Atlanta Braves last week in the wake of third baseman Austin Riley's season-ending hand fracture. The Tigers are still on the hook for the remainder of his $1.5 million salary for the year, while the Braves will only owe him the prorated league minimum for the time he spends on the big league roster or injured list.

Following Tigers DFA, Urshela nearly reunited with Yankees before landing with Braves

While the Braves ultimately landed Urshela, other teams were reportedly in the mix for the nine-year MLB veteran. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the New York Yankees "made a play" for Urshela, who spent three seasons with the Bronx Bombers from 2019-2021.

A midseason reunion with the Yankees may have actually made sense for Urshela. He posted some the best numbers of his career during his time in New York, including a 2019 campaign that saw him slash .314/.355/.534 with 21 home runs and a 133 OPS+. The Yankees currently sit atop the American League East Division but could use some infield help down the stretch as they continue their push toward the postseason.

Meanwhile, the Braves are currently clinging to the third and final Wild Card spot in the National League, so Urshela still has an chance – albeit an outside one – to compete for a World Series title this year. Thankfully for Tigers fans, he won't be doing it with an AL rival.

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