The Chicago White Sox made a quiet but impactful move late Sunday night, acquiring veteran right-hander José Urquidy from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor league pitcher Félix Doroteo. The trade, announced just hours after the Pirates had designated Urquidy for assignment on Friday, adds a seasoned arm to a White Sox bullpen that has been searching for consistency.

Urquidy, 31, has not enjoyed a smooth start to the 2026 season. In six relief appearances for Pittsburgh, he struggled to a 0-1 record with an 8.53 ERA, allowing 10 hits and walking three over six innings. He did manage six strikeouts and collected one save, but the overall numbers painted a grim picture. The Pirates, clearly looking to shake up their roster, decided to move on from the right-hander by designating him for assignment.

Yet Urquidy’s struggles at the major league level this year stand in contrast to what he had been doing at Triple-A Indianapolis. There, he was a steady rotation presence, making 17 starts and posting a 5-4 record with a solid 3.66 ERA. He struck out 73 batters over those starts, demonstrating the kind of swing-and-miss stuff that had made him a valuable asset in previous seasons. His ability to both start and relieve gives the White Sox flexibility—they can slot him into the bullpen or use him as a spot starter if needed.

Urquidy’s big league career spans seven seasons and three organizations: Houston, Detroit, and now Pittsburgh. Overall, he carries a 27-17 record with a 4.07 ERA and 335 strikeouts across 413 innings. He was a key contributor during Houston’s postseason runs, including a memorable rookie season in 2019 when he posted a 1.74 ERA in the playoffs and helped the Astros reach the World Series. That experience could be invaluable for a White Sox team that has playoff aspirations but has struggled to find reliable arms in high-leverage situations.

For the Pirates, the return is a young, unproven pitcher in Félix Doroteo. The 21-year-old right-hander just completed his first professional season, splitting time between the bullpen and a single start for the Arizona Complex League White Sox. He finished 3-2 with a 4.50 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 16 appearances. Doroteo was signed by Chicago in January 2025, and while he is still raw, the Pirates see potential in a player who has shown flashes of command and a fastball that can touch the mid-90s.

The trade reflects a classic short-term vs. long-term calculus. The White Sox are betting that Urquidy can rediscover his form, particularly in a lower-pressure role out of the pen. His recent Triple-A numbers suggest he is still capable of missing bats and limiting damage. The Pirates, meanwhile, are prioritizing future upside, taking a flier on a prospect who will likely spend the next few years developing in their minor league system.

For Urquidy, a change of scenery might be exactly what he needs. The White Sox pitching staff has dealt with injuries and inconsistency, and Urquidy’s veteran presence and ability to eat innings could prove valuable down the stretch. With the trade deadline approaching, this move may be just the first of several for a Chicago team looking to push back into contention.