Tigers' risky offseason signing couldn't have returned to team at a better time

In a development that hardly anyone saw coming, one of the Detroit Tigers' most under-the-radar offseason free agent signings could end up being a critical piece of their bullpen down the final stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs.

Veteran right-hander Jose Urquidy, who signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Tigers in March while recovering from Tommy John surgery, was activated off the injured list and made his first appearance for the Tigers on Sunday against the Miami Marlins. It was his first time pitching in a Major League game since Oct. 23, 2023.

Tasked with protecting a two-run lead, Urquidy proved up to the challenge when he posted a scoreless 1 1/3 innings in relief of Keider Montero in which he gave up two hits with a pair of strikeouts and a walk.

It's an extremely small sample size, but Urquidy's first outing with the Tigers showed immense promise that he can be a weapon for them in high-leverage situations down the stretch and into the playoffs. Detroit desperately needs reliable bullpen arms, and Urquidy's playoff experience and ability to pitch multiple innings make him a tremendous asset.

Tigers could pick up Jose Urquidy's contract option for 2026 if he continues to pitch well down the stretch

Of course, the Tigers will need to see more from Urquidy – and they will – but Sunday marked a tremendous first impression for the 2022 World Series champion with his new team.

The Tigers took a flier on Urquidy and bought low with a one-year, $1 million commitment, knowing that his contributions to the team in 2025 would be limited while he recovered from surgery. But his contract also contains a $4 million club option for 2026 – one that the Tigers might be wise to pick up if he becomes a key contributor for them in the postseason.

In his career – the entirety of which, up to this point, had been spent with the Houston Astros – Urquidy has pitched in 15 postseason games, throwing 46 1/3 innings. He has only been built up to throw about 45-50 pitches this year, which is less than a traditional starter, but if Detroit's signature "pitching chaos" makes its way to October, Urquidy could end up being a perfect fit for this staff. Plus, the AJ Hinch connection from 2019 doesn't hurt his case.