Jose Valverde, Relief Pitcher

Date of Birth: 3/24/1978
Birthplace: San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic

Jose Valverde started as a replacement closer for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2003. Two years later, he became their regular closer. In December, 2007, after five years with the Diamondbacks, Valverde was traded to the Houston Astros.

Valverde became a free agent after the 2009 season and he decided to leave the Astros. In January, 2010, he signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Tigers, with an optional third year as part of the agreement.

Valverde had only a fair year in 2012, the last year of his contract with the Tigers. He finished the season with 71 games played, 69.0 innings pitched, 35 saves, 3.78 ERA, and 48 strikeouts to 27 walks. He became a free agent after the 2012 season and it took until April, 2013, for the Tigers and Valverde to come to an agreement. At that point, the Tigers were only willing to give him a minor league contract, which he accepted. By the end of April, however, the Tigers called Valverde up to the majors and they signed him to a new, major league contract.

On August 7, 2013, Valverde was released by the Tigers. He signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets on February 12, 2014. After 21 games with the Mets in 2014, they released him on May 26th.

Valverde signed a contract with the San Diego Padres on January 7, 2015. The Padres released him on April 2nd and he signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals on April 29th. The Nationals released him on July 22nd after playing just in their minor league system. He was suspended for 80 games for PED use on August 14, 2015. He played only in the minor leagues in 2015.

Valverde didn't play professional baseball in 2016. He played in the Mexican League in 2017. He didn't play professional baseball in 2018.

Valverde played in the Mexican League in 2019. He was released on July 11, 2019. He hasn’t played professional baseball since 2019.

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Jose Valverde
ESPN Sports - Jose Valverde