Detroit Tigers Decline Options on Two Veteran Pitchers
The Detroit Tigers have declined their club options on right-handed pitchers José Urquidy and Paul Sewald, making both players free agents.
Contract Details
- Paul Sewald would have earned $10 million in 2026 but will now receive a $1 million buyout.
- José Urquidy was due $4 million in 2025 and has no buyout clause in his contract.
Team Roster Status
The Tigers will be under the 40-man roster limit once all injured players return from the 60-day injured list, though additional moves are possible before the roster freeze.
Pitchers
- Left-handed (6): Sean Guenther, Tyler Holton, Bailey Horn, Brant Hurter, Tarik Skubal, Drew Sommers
- Right-handed (17): Beau Brieske, Jack Flaherty, Jason Foley, Sawyer Gipson-Long, Brenan Hanifee, Jackson Jobe, Alex Lange, Chase Lee, Ty Madden, Tyler Mattison, Troy Melton, Casey Mize, Keider Montero, Reese Olson, Tanner Rainey, Dylan Smith, Will Vest
Position Players
- Catchers (2): Dillon Dingler, Jake Rogers
- Infielders (7): Javier Báez, Jace Jung, Andy Ibáñez, Colt Keith, Zach McKinstry, Trey Sweeney, Spencer Torkelson
- Outfielders (7): Kerry Carpenter, Riley Greene, Jahmai Jones, Justyn-Henry Malloy, Parker Meadows, Wenceel Pérez, Matt Vierling
Both Urquidy and Sewald had only cameo roles in the Tigers’ 2025 season.
Author’s summary: The Tigers released veteran pitchers Urquidy and Sewald to clear roster space, signaling a shift in their pitching strategy for 2026.