The Chicago White Sox began reshaping their roster ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline by making their first move, acquiring right-handed pitcher José Urquidy from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor league pitcher Felix Doroteo.
With the club still seeking additional pitching and catching depth to strengthen its postseason chances, the trade represents an early step in what is expected to be an active deadline.
It also marks the second deal between the White Sox and Pirates in recent weeks.
Urquidy was designated for assignment by Pittsburgh just days before the trade but brings a proven major league résumé.
During his time with the Houston Astros, he enjoyed back-to-back productive seasons, posting a 3.62 ERA over 107 innings in 2021 before following it with a 3.94 ERA across 164 innings in 2022 while helping the Astros capture the World Series.
His ability to limit walks and consistently throw strikes made him one of Houston’s more dependable starters during that stretch.
Injuries have slowed Urquidy’s career since then, limiting him to just 71 major league innings over the past several seasons.
However, he has excelled at Triple-A Indianapolis in 2026, recording a 3.66 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 73 strikeouts over 83 innings.
Although he struggled in a brief six-inning stint with the Pirates this season, the White Sox believe his strong minor league performance suggests he could still contribute at the major league level.
The expectation is that Urquidy will initially report to Triple-A, where he will provide valuable organizational depth and serve as an option if injuries arise or top pitching prospects need more development.
If he rediscovers the form that made him successful with Houston, he could earn a long-relief role for Chicago later this season. The White Sox are expected to continue adding pitching depth before the trade deadline as they look to strengthen their roster for a potential playoff push.
