The Mexican-born pitcher who became the winningest international player in World Series history
In short: From undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2017 to dominating the World Series, José Urquidy’s journey is a testament to resilience. He has not only broken records for Mexican-born pitchers but has also transitioned through multiple Major League teams, proving his value on the game's biggest stage.
After his birth on May 1, 1995, José Luis Hernández Urquidy entered professional baseball in 2015 via an international free agent contract with the Houston Astros. His early career was marked by significant setbacks, including a missed 2017 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, his return to the mound led to a historic breakthrough in the 2019 season, where he made his Major League debut on July 2 against the Colorado Rockies. In March 2015, he joined the Astros after signing as an international free agent. His professional journey began that same year with the Greeneville Astros and Tri-City ValleyCats.
Urquidy's impact on the postseason was immediate and profound. In the 2019 World Series, he became only the third Mexican-born pitcher to start a game, and the second to win a game, following Fernando Valenzuela. During the 2021 postseason, he reached new heights, as the first pitcher from Mexico to secure several World Series victories and the most successful international player in the history of the event. He achieved this milestone by earning a win in Game 5 of the 2021 series. This performance solidified his status as a premier international talent in postseason history.
His career has been defined by both high-stakes success and physical challenges. In 2022, he helped the Astros secure a World Series championship, becoming the 15th Mexican-born player to win the title. Despite facing subsequent injuries, including a right forearm strain in 2024 and further elbow surgery, he has continued to navigate the complexities of Major League Baseball, moving through rosters in Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. Following his time in Houston, he played for the Detroit Tigers in 2025. His subsequent career included stints with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago White Sox.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: José Urquidy
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