Tigers contract decisions confirm 2 potential pitching staff contributors are no more
José Urquidy announced that he became a free agent after the Detroit Tigers declined his 4 million dollar club option for the 2026 season. Earlier in the year, the team signed the veteran right-hander to a one-year, 1 million dollar major league deal with that same 2026 option, even though he had undergone Tommy John surgery in June 2024 and was unlikely to pitch before late summer.
By season’s end, both Urquidy and Alex Cobb had joined the list of Tigers pitchers who saw little or no action, leading many to question the logic of their signings. Cobb didn’t throw a single inning in 2025, while Urquidy managed just 2 1/3 innings with a 7.71 ERA before accepting a voluntary assignment to the minors.
Paul Sewald, acquired from the Guardians at the trade deadline, ended up in a similar situation. The Tigers placed him on the 60-day injured list immediately after the trade, and he pitched only 4 1/3 innings after being reinstated in September.
The Tigers' bullpen management looked chaotic — frequent roster shuffles made it hard to see any clear strategy, and Urquidy’s demotion hinted at how uncertain his future with the team had become.
Author’s summary
The Tigers' handling of José Urquidy, Alex Cobb, and Paul Sewald highlights a confusing and injury-hampered pitching strategy that leaves major doubts about the team's 2026 roster stability.