Julio César Urías: Dodgers’ Mexican Ace
Julio César Urías Acosta, known as “El Culichi,” is a talented Mexican baseball pitcher born on August 12, 1996. He started his journey with the Los Angeles Dodgers at the young age of 16 in 2012. Showing his skill, he earned the title of Dodgers’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2014.
Making a mark in the Major League Baseball (MLB), Urías debuted in 2016 and became a crucial part of the Dodgers’ success. In 2020, he played a pivotal role in helping the team secure a World Series title. His achievements continued as he led the National League in wins in 2021 and earned run average in 2022. Recognizing his outstanding performance, he was named to the All-MLB Second Team in both 2021 and 2022. Currently a free agent, Urías stands out as a notable figure in Mexican baseball history.
Julio César Urías: Player Information
| Status | Free Agent |
| Position | Pitcher |
| Born | August 12, 1996 (Age: 27) |
| Birthplace | Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico |
| Bats/Throws | Left |
| MLB Debut | May 27, 2016, Dodgers |
| MLB Stats | (Through 2023 season) |
| Win-Loss Record | 60–25 |
| ERA | 3.11 |
| Strikeouts | 710 |
| Teams | Los Angeles Dodgers (2016–2023) |
| Career Highlights | World Series Champion (2020) |
| Awards | All-MLB Second Team (2021, 2022) NL Wins Leader (2021) NL ERA Leader (2022) |
| Medals | WBC Bronze Medal (2023) |
| Height, Weight | 6’0″, 225 lbs |
| From | Culiacan Rosales, MEX |
| Nationality | Mexico |
Julio Urías’ Financial Journey in Baseball
Julio Urías’ net worth in 2023 stands at an estimated $10 million, a testament to his success in professional baseball. The primary contributor to this substantial net worth is his recent contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, inked in 2023, which amounted to an impressive $14,250,000 for a single year.
His journey with the Dodgers began in 2012 when he signed his first deal, accompanied by a notable $1,800,000 signing bonus. Throughout his career, Urías has maintained a consistent association with the Dodgers, opting for multiple one-year deals. These early contracts, starting with a pre-arbitration deal of $507,500 in 2016, reflect his gradual ascent in the league.
As the years progressed, so did the figures on his contracts. Notably, in 2020, Urías signed a noteworthy one-year, $1,000,000 arbitration deal, showcasing the recognition of his on-field contributions. The trend continued with a $3,600,000 arbitration deal in 2021 and reached a pinnacle in 2022 with an impressive $8,000,000 arbitration agreement for the season.
Finally, in 2023, Julio Urías secured a remarkable one-year, $14,250,000 arbitration contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, solidifying his financial success in the world of professional baseball. This trajectory underlines not only his prowess on the field but also his strategic negotiations that have substantially contributed to his notable net worth.
Julio Urías: Early Life and Dodgers Discovery
Julio Urías, born to Carlos Urías and Juana Isabel Acosta, started his baseball journey at a young age, playing with the Mexico national youth team in his early teens. His talent caught the attention of Los Angeles Dodgers scout Mike Brito when he was just 14 years old. Mike Brito, known for discovering talent like Fernando Valenzuela, encountered Urías during a scouting trip in Mexico.
In June 2012, during a showcase in Oaxaca, the Dodgers identified the 15-year-old Urías. This scouting trip also led to the signing of Yasiel Puig. On August 12, which happened to be Urías’ 16th birthday, the Dodgers officially signed him. The signing involved a fee of US$450,000, with a significant portion going to the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League. This marked the beginning of Urías’ journey with the Los Angeles Dodgers, laying the foundation for his promising baseball career.
Julio Urías: From Minors to Dodgers Star
Julio Urías, starting his professional career in the minor leagues, made his debut with the Great Lakes Loons in 2013 as the youngest player in the Midwest League. In his first season, he showcased his talent with 18 starts, finishing 2–0 with a 2.48 ERA. Moving through the ranks, he played with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in 2014 and was recognized as the Dodgers’ “Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
“His journey continued with achievements like being selected for the World team at the 2014 All-Star Futures Game. Despite facing setbacks, such as a brief stint in the minors in 2015, Urías persevered. His major league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers came in 2016, where, at 19, he became the youngest starting pitcher since Félix Hernández in 2005.
Over the years, Urías faced challenges, including a 2017 shoulder injury and a suspension in 2019. However, he played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series championship, contributing as a full-time starter. In 2021, he emerged as the NL wins leader, achieving a remarkable 20–3 record.
In 2022, Urías led the National League in ERA and signed an $8 million contract with the Dodgers. Unfortunately, his time with the team concluded in 2023 after a season marked by injuries and off-field challenges. Despite the hurdles, Julio Urías remains a notable figure in baseball history.
Julio Urías: Versatile Pitching Style
Julio Urías has a solid pitching style, relying on a fastball that usually hovers between 90 and 95 miles per hour, occasionally hitting 97. Complementing his fastball, he employs a diverse arsenal including a low-80s changeup, curveball, and slider. Notably, he made adjustments to his curveball in the 2016 season, enhancing its movement with a grip modification. Urías introduced the slider into his repertoire in 2015.
One standout aspect of his game is his exceptional pickoff move, leading the majors in his rookie season with six successful pickoffs. This pitching combination showcases Urías’ versatility and effectiveness on the mound, making him a valuable asset to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Urías: Struggles and Triumphs
Julio Urías faced tough times in his youth, undergoing three surgeries on his left eye to remove a benign mass. This left his left eye nearly closed, but he maintained the ability to see through it. Despite this challenge, Urías, a devout Roman Catholic, embraced a positive perspective, attributing it to divine workings. He famously said, “That’s how God works. He gave me a bad left eye but a good left arm.” In 2015, he opted for elective surgery to address the condition.
Unfortunately, alongside his successes, Urías encountered legal troubles. In May 2019, he was arrested for domestic battery, leading to deferred prosecution with certain conditions, including participation in a domestic violence counseling program. In a more recent incident in September 2023, Urías faced another arrest for felony domestic violence. This incident occurred at an LAFC soccer match, leading to an investigation and his placement on administrative leave by Major League Baseball.
As of January 9, 2024, the LA District Attorney’s office decided not to pursue felony charges against Urías, providing closure to the legal aspect of these challenges in his life. These events shed light on the complexities and obstacles that can accompany the life of a talented athlete.
Julio Urías: Giving Back Through Charity
Julio Urías actively contributes to charitable initiatives, particularly through his involvement with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF). Established in 1995, LADF, the official charity of the Dodgers, focuses on making a positive impact in the lives of young people in challenging neighborhoods across Los Angeles. Leveraging the Dodger brand and a dedicated fan base, LADF aims to bring about meaningful change for marginalized youth.
Additionally, Urías is engaged in the fight against childhood hunger by partnering with Jack in the Box. In a notable event on August 29, 2023, he took charge of the cash register at a Jack in the Box restaurant in Inglewood. This initiative served both to provide food and support the No Kid Hungry campaign, a nationwide effort dedicated to eliminating childhood hunger throughout the country. Julio Urías actively uses his platform to make a difference and address important social issues.
FAQs
- Q. What is Julio Urías’ latest contract?
- A. Julio Urías recently signed a one-year arbitration deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, valued at $14,250,000 for the 2023 season.
- Q. What is Julio Urías’ net worth?
- A. Julio Urías’ net worth stands at $10 million as of 2023, reflecting his financial success in professional baseball.
- Q. When did Julio Urías make his MLB debut?
- A. Julio Urías made his Major League Baseball debut in 2016, pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Q. What was his first contract?
- A. In 2012, Julio Urías inked his first contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, receiving a $1,800,000 signing bonus.
- Q. What is the current salary of Julio Urías?
- A. Julio Urías’ current salary is $14,250,000, highlighting his value as a prominent player for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023.
- Q. How much did Julio Urías earn from his first contract in 2012?
- A. Julio Urías received a $1,800,000 signing bonus as part of his first contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012.
- Q. How many MLB seasons has Julio Urías played for the Los Angeles Dodgers?
- A. Julio Urías played for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2016 to 2023, contributing to the team’s success over multiple seasons.