The White Sox kicked off the trade deadline yesterday as they made their first of many moves before the deadline on August 3rd. The White Sox will need to add another pitcher or two, along with a catcher, if they are serious about contending, as they have a chance to make some noise in the playoffs.
The Sox addressed one of their main needs yesterday, as they acquired pitcher Jose Urquidy from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor league pitcher Felix Doroteo. Urquidy was designated for assignment just a few days ago and now has found a new home with the White Sox organization. He will likely begin in Triple-A as a depth option in case of an injury or another trade. This is the second trade the White Sox have made with the Pirates in the last few weeks.
The Chicago White Sox have acquired right-handed pitcher José Urquidy from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor-league right-hander Félix Doroteo.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 27, 2026
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This is an intriguing trade for the White Sox, as Urquidy has been a successful major league pitcher in the past. In 2021 with the Houston Astros, he threw 107 innings to the tune of a 3.62 ERA and a phenomenal .991 WHIP. He stuck out 90 batters while walking just 19.
Urquidy followed that up with another solid season with the World Series champion Houston Astros in 2022, as he threw 164 innings of 3.94 ERA baseball. He had a solid 1.168 WHIP and struck out 134 batters compared to just 38 walks.
Unfortunately, since 2022 Urquidy has dealt with multiple injuries and has only thrown 71 major league innings. However, he has been extremely effective in AAA this season, as he has a 3.66 ERA over 83 innings with the Indianapolis Indians, the AAA affiliate of the Pirates. He has a stellar 1.05 WHIP and has only walked 18 batters while striking out 73. This is much better than his 8.53 ERA over 6 major league innings this season.
José Urquidy made 17 starts in Triple A this season:
83.2 IP | 3.66 ERA | 73 K | 18 BB | 1.05 WHIP
31 y/o, profiles as stretched out depth for spot starts or multi-innings. Could create more flexibility elsewhere in the system. #WhiteSox pic.twitter.com/vzuyw6xwsv https://t.co/2rRwj9x8VG
— Adrian White (@AdrianWhiteSox) July 27, 2026
Based on his ability to throw strikes and his prior success in the major leagues, the White Sox felt comfortable taking a chance on him to see what he can do under their direction. If he can put it all back together, he could take over the long relief role down the stretch, as he has postseason experience.
At this point, I would imagine he sticks around in AAA and could be insurance if Hagen Smith or Tanner McDougal struggle when they get promoted to the major league bullpen. You can never have too much pitching in the organization and it never hurts to add someone who can consistently pound the strike zone like Urquidy.
This is a very intriguing addition for the White Sox and they will continue to add more arms to the team over the next week before the deadline.
