Pirates Add Jose Urquidy to Bolster Pitching Depth

The Pittsburgh Pirates were reportedly in pursuit of southpaw Framber Valdez during the offseason, hoping to strengthen their rotation. However, Valdez surprised many by signing with the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday to serve as their No. 1 starter behind Tarik Skubal, reportedly receiving a lucrative contract that the Pirates could not match.

Following that setback, the Pirates quickly pivoted to another former Houston Astros pitcher, signing right-hander José Urquidy on Thursday. The one-year, $1.5 million deal, pending a physical, brings Urquidy back into familiar territory with pitching coach Bill Murphy, who worked with him during his Houston tenure. The signing also gives the Pirates flexibility, as Urquidy still has minor league options available.

Urquidy, 28, spent most of his MLB career with Houston from 2019 to 2023 before brief appearances with Detroit in 2025. A Mexican national, he has represented Team Mexico internationally and showed promise early in his career, posting sub-4.00 ERAs in four consecutive seasons. While not a strikeout-heavy pitcher, Urquidy is known for his ability to limit walks and induce contact efficiently.

The right-hander faced a significant challenge in 2024, undergoing Tommy John surgery but making a late-season return with Detroit. His brief stint was rocky, allowing two runs over two innings before being designated for assignment. Despite that, the Pirates see potential value in adding a proven, experienced arm to a rotation that already features young talent poised for breakout seasons.

1. Career Highlights and Performance

José Urquidy began his MLB career with the Houston Astros, quickly establishing himself as a reliable arm in the rotation. From 2019 to 2023, he consistently posted strong ERAs, including a standout 2.73 mark over 29 innings in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Over his final year in Houston, he pitched 164 innings with a 3.94 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP, showing durability and efficiency as a mid-rotation starter. Urquidy’s pitching style relies more on control than velocity, consistently avoiding walks and keeping hitters off balance. He averaged just 17 walks per season while generating modest strikeout totals, demonstrating a steady, ground-ball-inducing approach. His reliability in high-leverage situations earned him trust from Houston’s coaching staff and allowed him to contribute in playoff runs. Despite these strengths, Urquidy faced setbacks in 2024, undergoing Tommy John surgery. His recovery kept him out for much of the season, and a brief two-inning appearance with Detroit ended in two runs allowed. Still, his experience and prior performance make him an appealing low-risk, high-upside option for the Pirates. Reuniting with Bill Murphy, his former Astros pitching coach, could provide Urquidy with a familiar environment to regain his pre-surgery form. The Pirates hope this reunion will help him return to consistent performance and offer stability to their pitching depth.

2. Role in Pittsburgh’s Rotation

The Pirates enter the 2026 season with a strong rotation anchored by right-handed ace Paul Skenes. Bubba Chandler, another right-hander, is expected to emerge as a star, while Mitch Keller and Jared Jones round out a competitive five-man rotation. With all four primary starters being right-handed, Urquidy provides an additional veteran presence and a potential No. 4 or 5 starter. Spring training will be key for Urquidy to prove he can contribute effectively after surgery and a limited 2025 season. If he performs well, he could secure a spot in the starting rotation, otherwise he may begin the season in a backup or minor league role while regaining form. His minor league options give the Pirates flexibility in managing the roster throughout the season. Urquidy’s control-oriented pitching style complements the existing rotation, which features strikeout-heavy and power arms. He could help balance the staff and provide innings in games where veteran experience is needed, especially early in the season. The Pirates’ approach reflects a blend of developing young talent and adding seasoned arms to ensure consistency. Urquidy fits that mold as a pitcher with proven capability who can step in if injuries or inconsistency arise.

3. Looking Ahead

With Urquidy now on board, the Pirates have added both experience and insurance to a rotation poised for growth. The young talent of Skenes, Chandler, Keller, and Jones gives the team upside, while Urquidy’s presence adds a safety net and potential depth for high-leverage situations. Spring training games will provide the first chance to evaluate his form, mechanics, and endurance. Coaches will closely monitor his innings and effectiveness to determine whether he can handle a regular spot in the rotation or serve as a situational option. The Pirates’ front office views Urquidy as a low-risk investment with potential upside, especially considering his familiarity with Murphy and his previous success in Houston. If healthy, he could stabilize the back end of the rotation and mentor the younger pitchers in the process. Ultimately, José Urquidy’s addition gives Pittsburgh a flexible pitching option, capable of stepping into the rotation while providing insurance for an otherwise young staff that is expected to take significant steps forward in 2026.