Detroit Tigers decline options on two veteran pitchers

Detroit Tigers Decline Options on Two Veteran Pitchers

The Detroit Tigers have decided not to exercise their club options on right-handed pitchers José Urquidy and Paul Sewald, making both players free agents.

Paul Sewald was set to earn $10 million for the 2026 season. Instead, he will receive a $1 million buyout and enter free agency. José Urquidy, who was due $4 million in 2025, had no buyout clause and will also become a free agent.

“José Urquidy and Paul Sewald are now free agents,” the team announced.

The Tigers may still make additional roster adjustments, but they will already be under the 40-man roster threshold once players on the 60-day injured list are reinstated.

Current 40-Man Roster Overview

Left-Handed Pitchers (6)

Sean Guenther
Tyler Holton
Bailey Horn
Brant Hurter
Tarik Skubal
Drew Sommers

Right-Handed Pitchers (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

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 minimal impact during the Tigers’ 2025 campaign, appearing primarily in short relief roles.

Author’s summary: Detroit’s decision to decline José Urquidy’s and Paul Sewald’s options reflects a move toward roster flexibility ahead of the 2026 season.

MLive.com — 2025-11-07