[SPOTV News reporter Kim Tae-woo] When elite Major League players suddenly vanish amid controversy, their potential comeback often becomes a major talking point. One such player—now largely out of the public eye—is Julio Urías, 30.
Once hailed as a prodigy, Urías broke into the majors in 2016 and quickly emerged as a potential next ace for the Los Angeles Dodgers. With a Hall of Fame presence like Clayton Kershaw and a solid left-hander in Hyun-Jin Ryu on the staff, the organization—and much of the league—expected Urías to step into the role of the club’s next left-handed ace. The upside was that significant.
Between 2016 and 2023, Urías made 158 major-league starts, compiling a 60-25 record with a 3.11 ERA. He won 20 games in 2021 and finished seventh in Cy Young voting. In 2022 he went 17-7 with a 2.16 ERA across 31 starts and finished third in the Cy Young race. A lucrative free-agent payday looked likely.
That trajectory derailed in 2023 after a domestic-violence incident led to disciplinary action. Witnesses said Urías grabbed his wife’s hair, shoved her into a fence and appeared to threaten physical harm—marking a second similar episode since 2019. Given MLB’s strict posture on domestic violence, the league imposed a significant suspension and Urías vanished from the major-league scene.
Legally, the case is largely resolved. The Los Angeles District Attorney concluded the victim’s injuries and Urías’ record did not warrant felony charges and filed five misdemeanor counts instead. Prosecutors later dropped four counts; the remaining count did not lead to a guilty verdict but left room for legal dispute. Urías agreed to complete a one-year domestic-violence treatment program.
With both the league discipline and the legal process behind him, nothing on paper prevents Urías from returning to MLB or professional baseball elsewhere. Yet he has given no clear sign of a comeback. In January he was photographed in Mexico at a charity event for children, but that appearance offered no evidence he’s preparing to return to competitive pitching. There’s no public confirmation he’s throwing at his previous level.
Agent Scott Boras, in an interview with the LA Times, stressed that clubs remain interested and continue to inquire about Urías. “Given the current pitching market, Urías could pitch right now,” Boras said, while adding that whether Urías wants to return immediately is the player’s decision. At the end of Urías’ suspension last year, Boras had indicated the pitcher still intended to continue his career.
Boras also acknowledged he cannot discuss a comeback without Urías’ authorization—and that authorization has not been granted. The player’s own wishes will determine the next steps, and so far Urías has not provided a definitive signal either way.
If Urías pursues a return, it will likely take time. He hasn’t appeared in an official game since 2023, so he must rebuild his arm strength and regain his command. Teams will also weigh how to evaluate a pitcher with two domestic-violence allegations on his record—serious conduct that complicates evaluation—and the lengthy layoff adds uncertainty.
Urías might opt for a showcase to prove he remains effective. While each case is different, Trevor Bauer’s post-controversy route included two seasons in Japan’s professional league. Urías could similarly choose a competitive overseas league—Japan’s NPB, Korea’s KBO, Mexico or the Dominican Republic—to re-establish value. A stint in Korea is not out of the question.
