Pittsburgh Pirates Sign World Series Champ José Urquidy for Just $1.5 Million—Can He Rebound in 2026?

PITTSBURGH—Right-handed pitcher José Urquidy is headed to the Pittsburgh Pirates on a one-year, $1.5 million contract that includes performance incentives, giving the Bucs a playoff-tested arm as Spring Training approaches. Why the Pirates pounced • Rotation depth: After sending Johan Oviedo to Boston earlier this winter, Pittsburgh needed a reliable back-end starter behind Paul Skenes, Jared Jones and Bubba Chandler. Urquidy, 30, owns a 3.74 ERA across 60 career starts and brings swingman flexibility with 11 bullpen outings. • October résumé: The Mexican hurler logged 15 postseason appearances (4.08 ERA) and captured a World Series ring with the 2022 Astros, experience the rebuilding Pirates sorely lack. • Low-risk deal: Coming off Tommy John surgery in 2024 and just two late-season innings for Detroit in 2025, Urquidy accepted a modest guarantee that preserves payroll space for additional upgrades. What Urquidy adds in 2026 1. Pitch-mix stability: His four-seam/changeup combo generated a 27 percent whiff rate pre-injury, and early bullpen sessions reportedly show regained velocity in the 93–95 mph range. 2. Contact management: A career 0.99 WHIP against lefties fits well in homer-friendly PNC Park. 3. Mentor role: Spanish-speaking prospects like Luis Perales and Carlos Jiménez now have a veteran countryman to lean on. Projected impact If Urquidy reaches 140 innings with an ERA near his career mark, Steamer projects 1.6 fWAR—similar to what Pittsburgh received from its entire No. 5 starter slot last year. Club officials believe a healthy Urquidy can bridge games to an upgraded bullpen headlined by Gregory Soto and Mason Montgomery. What’s next for Pittsburgh General manager Ben Cherington may still add another depth arm, but insiders say the front office is pivoting toward right-handed bench bats. For Urquidy, the focus is showcasing durability; a strong first half could turn this “prove-it” pact into a mid-season trade chip or a longer stay on the North Shore. Bottom line By signing José Urquidy, the Pirates secure affordable upside, postseason pedigree and rotational stability—all crucial ingredients for a club looking to jump from intriguing to contending in 2026.