Julio Urías was born on August 12, 1996, in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. Culiacán is known for its passion for baseball, and this environment played a significant role in fostering Urías' love for the sport from a young age.
Baseball was a family affair for Urías. His father, Carlos Urías, was an amateur baseball player and later became a youth baseball coach. Julio often accompanied his father to the field, which helped spark his interest in the game.
Urías faced significant health challenges as a child, including a tumor in his left eye, which required multiple surgeries. Despite these challenges, he continued to pursue his passion for baseball, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Julio's talent was evident from a young age. He began playing in youth leagues in Culiacán, where his skills quickly stood out. His left-handed pitching, in particular, drew attention due to his impressive velocity and control.
At just 16 years old, Urías made his professional debut with the Diablos Rojos del México in the Mexican League. His performance in this highly competitive environment showcased his potential and caught the attention of international scouts.
Urías was scouted by the Los Angeles Dodgers during a showcase in Mexico. Impressed by his talent, the Dodgers signed him on August 12, 2012, his 16th birthday. The signing bonus was reported to be $450,000, reflecting the Dodgers' belief in his future potential.
After joining the Dodgers' organization, Urías quickly moved through the minor league system. His exceptional performance, including a stellar ERA and strikeout rates, confirmed his status as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball.
Urías made his major league debut with the Dodgers on May 27, 2016, at the age of 19. Despite his youth, he handled the pressure well and showed glimpses of the talent that would later make him a key player for the Dodgers.