Tigers sign Jose Urena to 1-year deal reportedly worth $3.25M
The Detroit Tigers signed pitcher Jose Urena to a one-year contract, the team announced Wednesday.
From the 3⃣0⃣5⃣ to the 3⃣1⃣3⃣.
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) December 24, 2020
Let’s welcome José Ureña to Detroit! pic.twitter.com/n8kuKqiB7I
Urena's contract is worth $3.25 million, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
The deal also includes incentives based on games started, with an additional $50,000 to be paid out for the 15-game, 18-game, 21-game, 24-game, and 27-game thresholds, Heyman adds.
The right-hander was designated for assignment and subsequently released by the Miami Marlins at the end of November after posting a 5.40 ERA and 6.06 FIP in 23 1/3 innings this past season.
Over six seasons in the majors, all with the Marlins, Urena changed roles multiple times, serving as the Opening Day starter twice and acting as the franchise's closer on other occasions. In 98 starts and 44 relief appearances, Urena owns a career 4.60 ERA with a 32-46 record and four saves.
The 29-year-old joins a wide-open Tigers pitching staff. Currently, Matthew Boyd, Spencer Turnbull, Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, and Michael Fulmer seem to be the most viable options for the starting rotation.
The Tigers also lost prospect Alex Faedo to Tommy John surgery earlier in December. The 25-year-old righty is on the 40-man roster and was likely another option for the rotation.
To open a 40-man roster spot for Urena, Detroit designated catcher Eric Haase for assignment.