Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías has been suspended through the 2025 All-Star break for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy, the league announced on March 21, 2025. This marks Urías's second violation of the domestic violence policy, demonstrating an ongoing pattern of serious disciplinary issues faced by the 28-year-old free agent.
The suspension follows an incident on September 3, 2023, when Urías was arrested after allegedly attacking his wife outside BMO Stadium in Los Angeles during a soccer match. Video evidence obtained later showed Urías charging at his wife, suggesting a violent confrontation took place. In May 2024, Urías pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of domestic battery, resulting in 36 months of probation, 30 days of community service, and mandatory participation in a yearlong domestic violence treatment program. Four other charges stemming from the incident were dropped as part of his plea agreement.
Rob Manfred, commissioner of MLB, stated, "The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball has completed its investigation into allegations that free agent pitcher Julio Urías violated Major League Baseball's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Urías violated our Policy and that discipline is appropriate." The investigation was delayed as league officials had not seen footage of the incident until it was published by the Los Angeles Times.
This is not the first time Urías has faced disciplinary action for domestic issues. He received a 20-game suspension in 2019 after a previous domestic battery incident. Thus, he is now the first player to be suspended multiple times under the league's domestic violence policy. Following the 2023 incident, Urías was placed on administrative leave, which continued until his contract with the Dodgers expired at the end of that season. Since then, he has remained unsigned.
When the 2025 All-Star break concludes on July 17, Urías will be eligible to sign with any team; however, concerns with his past may deter franchises from pursuing him. In a league known for its rigorous character standards, Urías's troubling history offers a significant hindrance to potential offers. Yet, his previous performance on the field has led some to speculate on whether teams will give him another chance.
Despite the off-field controversies, Urías was once considered a rising star within Major League Baseball. He has an impressive career ERA of 3.11 over 158 games, having recorded key performances in significant moments, including the final out of the Dodgers' 2020 World Series victory. His potential was recognized early on, as he was signed out of Mexico as a 16-year-old and made his major league debut just three years later.
In his best statistical seasons, Urías notched 20 wins in 2021 and finished third in National League Cy Young Award voting in 2022 after leading the league with a stellar 2.16 ERA. However, inconsistency and injuries plagued his performance during the most recent season, where he recorded a 4.60 ERA across 117 1/3 innings before the latest incident impacted his career trajectory.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred also highlighted the league's stance on domestic violence, stating, “MLB will continue to make support services available to Urías and his family.” The league's commitment to addressing domestic violence issues has drawn attention, as it proactively investigates claims without requiring criminal charges to be filed.
As the industry waits to see how this situation develops, fans and analysts are left questioning how Urías's career will be affected moving forward. Will he find a path back to the majors after serving his suspension, or is this the end of a once-promising career in baseball?
For those affected by domestic violence, support resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) remain available.
Urías's case serves as a stark reminder of the personal and professional consequences that arise from such serious allegations. As the future of his career hangs in balance, the question remains: can he overcome the turmoil and reclaim his position in Major League Baseball?
