The Pirates are including a playoff-tested arm to their rotation, agreeing to a one-year free-agent deal price $1.5 million with right-hander José Urquidy, a supply instructed MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Thursday. The membership has not confirmed the deal, which additionally consists of incentives, per a supply.
The Bucs have been recognized to be out there for one more arm, and had made recognized their curiosity in prime left-hander Framber Valdez, who ended up agreeing to a cope with the Tigers on Wednesday. Urquidy doesn’t include the identical pedigree as Valdez, however he was a member of the identical rotation that gained a World Sequence with the Astros in 2022.
The 30-year-old right-hander made two appearances for the Tigers final season after present process Tommy John surgical procedure in 2024, however he noticed a lot of his large league success in Houston from 2019-22. In that span, he pitched to a 3.74 ERA over 60 begins with 281 strikeouts.
Urquidy has made 15 postseason appearances (eight begins) with a 4.08 ERA. He brings a veteran presence to a Pirates workers fronted by NL Cy Younger Award winner Paul Skenes and that options different promising younger arms like Bubba Chandler and Jared Jones.
The Pirates have had a busy offseason bettering their lineup, however that is the primary addition they’ve made to the rotation. Urquidy profiles as a back-end starter, however he has expertise pitching in aid as effectively, with 11 profession appearances out of the bullpen. Pittsburgh traded starter Johan Oviedo to the Crimson Sox earlier this winter, and a wholesome Urquidy might slot into that spot.
Except for bolstering their offense by signing Ryan O’Hearn and buying and selling for Brandon Lowe, the Pirates have additionally added to their bullpen with relievers Gregory Soto and Mason Montgomery.
