Pirates take low cost flier on Jose Urquidy

The Pittsburgh Pirates were unable to lure Framber Valdez to Pittsburgh. However, they did add another former Astros pitcher on Thursday.

Will Sammon of The Athletic reported that the Pirates have agreed to terms with Jose Urquidy. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Urquidy will receive $1.5 million in 2026.

Urquidy had a solid run as a member of the Astros rotation between 2021 and 2022. He posted a 3.81 ERA and a 1.098 WHIP over his 271.1 innings in that time, striking out 224 batters with 57 walks. 

A healthy Jose Urquidy could be a bargain for Pittsburgh Pirates

Injuries have taken their toll since. Urquidy struggled in 2023, posting a 5.29 ERA and a 1.429 WHIP over 63 innings, striking out 45 batters with 25 walks as he missed three months due to right shoulder inflammation. Tommy John surgery cost Urquidy all of 2024 and most of the 2025 season, although he was able to make two appearances for the Tigers. He struggled in those outings, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks over 2.1 innings, striking out three.

As Urquidy is presumably back to full health, he is an intriguing buy-low option in Pittsburgh. If he can regain the form he showed between 2021 and 2022, he would be another solid addition to an already deep rotation. He has also made 11 appearances out of the bullpen in his career, and could be used in a swingman role, ready to step into the rotation in case of injuries.

But that is all contingent on whether or not Urquidy can stay healthy. For a reported $1.5 million, he could be a tremendous bargain for the Pirates.