Tigers already preparing for 2026 after signing former Astros World Series champion

The Detroit Tigers have been adding their roster late, with Opening Day less than three weeks away. A couple weeks ago, they signed Andrew Chafin to a minor league contract. A couple weeks before that, they signed John Brebbia. A week before that, Jack Flaherty rejoined the team.

On Saturday, they once again bolstered their major league roster by signing former Houston Astros starter Jose Urquidy, who won a World Series in 2022. He tossed three scoreless innings against the Phillies in the Fall Classic after a disastrous Lance McCullers start to save the bullpen from getting overworked.

But then the downfall began the following season. In 2023, Urquidy logged a 5.29 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 16 games (10 starts). He dealt with shoulder issues and was eventually moved to the bullpen. In 2024, he succumbed to Tommy John surgery in June after reporting forearm/elbow issues during spring training.

He hasn't pitched in a big league game since Oct. 23, which was Game 7 of the ALCS against the Texas Rangers, and fans shouldn't expect to see him until later in the second half of 2025 based on the usual Tommy John surgery timeline.

This seems more of a longer-term ploy by Scott Harris and the front office, though, as Urquidy will make $1 million in 2025 with a $4 million club option for 2026.

Tigers News: Detroit signs former World Series champion Jose Urquidy

Urquidy doesn't have an extensive a big league track record, but his 2021 and 2022 seasons provide reason for optimism. He was good for 3.1 WAR over that span, logging 48 starts and registering a 3.81 ERA. He's not a strikeout machine by any means, but the right-hander limits walks and stymies opposing hitters with his changeup. His five-pitch mix would certainly be valued in the back end of most rotations.

Not to mention, he's also appeared in 15 postseason games and has solid numbers. His 4.08 ERA and 1.23 WHIP aren't exactly elite, but he's mostly held his own in October while seeing action in three World Series dating back to 2019.

Don't count on the Tigers benefitting from his contributions in 2025, but assuming his recovery goes as expected, a nice end-of-season tune-up before a comeback 2026 campaign would be well worth the $5 million the team is paying here.