Full Breakdown
Detroit Tigers Decline Options on Paul Sewald and José Urquidy
11/7/2025, 12:46:54 AM
Overview of Contract Decisions
The Detroit Tigers have officially declined the contract options for two veteran right-handed pitchers, Paul Sewald and José Urquidy, as part of their offseason roster adjustments. Sewald, a 35-year-old reliever, had a $10 million mutual option for 2026, which he exercised, but the Tigers opted not to fulfill their side, resulting in a $1 million buyout. Urquidy, 30, had a $4 million option that the Tigers also declined, leaving both players as free agents.
Performance and Injury Background
Paul Sewald joined the Tigers in mid-September after recovering from a shoulder strain but had limited impact, pitching only 4 1/3 innings across four regular-season games. He was not utilized in the postseason, where the Tigers were eliminated in the Wild Card Series. Sewald's career statistics include a 4.11 ERA and a notable strikeout rate of 28.8%. He previously served as a closer, achieving a career-high of 34 saves in 2023.
José Urquidy, who signed with the Tigers while recovering from Tommy John surgery, made a brief return to the mound in September, appearing in just two games and allowing two runs over 2 1/3 innings. Urquidy's past performance includes a solid track record with the Houston Astros, where he had a 3.62 ERA in 2021 and contributed to their World Series success.
Official Statements & Responses
The Tigers' decision to decline the options on Sewald and Urquidy reflects their strategy to reshape the pitching staff. The team had initially signed both players with the hope that they would contribute significantly upon their return from injuries. However, their limited appearances and performance did not meet expectations, prompting the Tigers to seek alternatives.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have pointed out that the Tigers' approach to signing and utilizing injured pitchers like Sewald and Urquidy has been questionable. Some analysts argue that the team's management, particularly under A.J. Hinch, failed to effectively integrate these players into the roster, leading to wasted opportunities and resources. The lack of significant contributions from both pitchers has raised concerns about the team's overall strategy in building a competitive bullpen.
What's Next for Sewald and Urquidy
With both players now entering free agency, they will have the opportunity to explore new contracts with other teams. Sewald's experience and strikeout ability may attract interest from clubs looking for bullpen depth, while Urquidy's previous success as a starter could make him a viable option for teams seeking rotation help. The Tigers, meanwhile, will likely continue to evaluate their pitching options as they prepare for the 2026 season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Tigers were counting on Sewald to return to full health before the end of the regular season, then provide a swing-and-miss boost to the bullpen throughout the postseason.” — Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press
- “Sewald picked up his option but the Tigers did not, exercising a $1 million buyout.” — Detroit News
- “On Wednesday, Urquidy confirmed himself that he's a free agent after the Tigers declined to pick up his option, and on Thursday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reported that the Tigers would not be exercising their option on Sewald.” — Motor City Bengals
This decision marks a significant shift for the Tigers as they look to revamp their pitching staff in the upcoming offseason.
