In a significant roster shift, the Houston Astros announced Monday the outright release of starting pitcher Jose Urquidy to free agency, marking the end of his time with the team. Known for his consistent performance, Jose Urquidy exits with a career ERA of 3.98 over 405 innings and a WAR of 4.5. He joined the Astros as an international free agent in 2015 and climbed through the ranks, making his Major League debut in 2019. Urquidy became a mainstay in the starting rotation by 2020, contributing significantly to the team’s successes in recent years.
A Season of Setbacks
Urquidy’s 2024 season was a challenging one. Early in the year, he struggled with a recurring forearm strain that hindered his performance and eventually required him to undergo Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career. His first surgery took place in 2017, and though he had rebounded well, the latest injury was a tough setback. Unfortunately, Urquidy’s season was cut short, and his future remains uncertain as he explores free agency.
Jose Urquidy wasn’t the only pitcher to depart. The Astros also outrighted right-hander Oliver Ortega following his season-long injury battle. Ortega underwent elbow surgery in March, sidelining him for the 2024 season. With these moves, the Astros seem poised to open up opportunities for newer arms in their rotation while also balancing their roster for the 2025 season.
Claiming and Acquiring Players
The Astros also saw changes through waivers. Right-handers Seth Martinez and Penn Murfee were claimed by the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago White Sox, respectively, while outfielder the Pittsburgh Pirates picked up Trey Cabbage. Additionally, the Astros bolstered their lineup by acquiring outfielder Taylor Trammell from the New York Yankees in exchange for cash considerations. Trammell split his 2024 season between the Dodgers and Yankees organizations, primarily playing with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. His strong performance, reflected in his .869 OPS with 18 home runs and 63 RBIs over 106 games, brings depth and experience to the Astros’ outfield.
Injured Players Return to Roster
Five Astros players on the 60-day injured list have returned to the roster. This list includes key pitchers such as J.P. France, Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, Lance McCullers, and left-hander Bennett Sousa. Their return indicates a hopeful resurgence for a team aiming to regain its competitive edge in the upcoming season.
As the Astros make these strategic roster adjustments, they appear focused on building a balanced lineup of experienced players and emerging talent. Urquidy’s departure ends a significant chapter, but promising new additions and the return of several injured players position the team to remain a contender in 2025.