The Tigers announced today that they have claimed right-handed pitcher Carson Fulmer off waivers from the White Sox, who designated Fulmer for assignment on Thursday. The Tigers will need to make a corresponding move to clear a spot for Fulmer on the 40-man roster.
As MLBTR’s Steve Adams examined at length in May, Fulmer still offers glimpses of the tools that made him a coveted prospect in 2015: his fastball, curveball, and cutter all boast near-elite spin rates. And yet, despite those solid numbers, those pitches—particularly the four-seamer and cutter—evidently haven’t gotten the desired results for Fulmer. He’s generated relatively few swings and misses on those pitches, and it’s resulted in a career 6.56 ERA and constant up-and-down movement between the Majors and minors.
That said, this is precisely the type of acquisition that seems ideal for a Tigers team with little to lose this year. Without foundational pitching pieces, Fulmer comes at a small cost, and there’s always the possibility that a change of scenery could allow him to finally grow into a productive Major Leaguer. He’s still just 26 years old, and with expectations low for the team, they can afford to take on reclamation projects such as Fulmer in hopes that something sticks.
Fulmer could be deployed either as a starter or reliever, though it’s unknown as of now what Ron Gardenhire has planned for his newest player; either way, the Tigers will look to do what the White Sox couldn’t and tap into some of the talent that made him a top draft pick five years ago. If pitching coach Rick Anderson can hone Fulmer’s mechanics and command, the Tigers might have found themselves a worthwhile addition who could contribute to their next winning team.
thunderroad19
Dang…I was hoping he’d fall far enough for KC to pick him up.
yankees500
This makes me think, is the waiver order based on standings this year or last?
PapiElf
I believe it is based on this year, since that is how it is every year, but it might have changed. I haven’t heard about it changing though.
agentx
Accordingly to a seemingly legit “clickondetroit.com” article about the onetime rule changes for 2020, the 2019 reverse-standings order will determine waiver claims the first 20 days of the 60-game 2020 season.
Waiver order will return to using current-year reverse-order standings after this season’s first 20 days.
yankees500
That makes sense. I never really thought about how long it would take to use the current years standings. Both teams are 0-1 So far
dmazcomp
Clickondetroit.com is legit. They are affiliated with WDIV, the NBC affiliate in Detroit. On a personal level, I’ve known Derick and his family since he was a kid. He knows his stuff.
mstrchef13
I think for the first X number of games every season it is based on the previous year’s final standings, then switches to the current season’s standings. Not sure how many games that is though, and I assume that this year will be modified somehow.
Paulie0514
Mazel mazel, good things.
GoLandCrabs
White Sox “only draft college players” strategy has been shakey at best.
Idioms for Idiots
@GoLandCrabs
Yeah, the Sox have done so well at drafting HS players. I don’t know why they would abandon that strategy. Maybe it has something to do with how bad their player development is.
bravesfan
Seems like the college route does better for most teams. Now, truth is, those who rebuild well, do so in the international market. My humble opinion … unless it’s a sure fire high school superstar :/
angt222
Hopefully he pitches well
Captain-Judge99
Future Tiger closer
hiflew
That’s not that impressive when you are only winning 30% of your games a year.
Wyoming Bison Expansion Team
If they can fix the issues, turn him into a good closer, and flip him for a decent return it will be impressive.
tigerdoc616
low risk high reward pickup.
Idioms for Idiots
Until he comes in and pitches. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Idioms for Idiots
I’m assuming the Tigers were the first team on the waiver list. That certainly didn’t take long (unsurprisingly).
gofish 2
I believe they need Brad Fullmer to add to Carson and Michael Fulmer.
They will then be full of Fullmer (Fullmen?)
Orel Saxhiser
Then package the three of them in a trade to the Filadelphia Fullies. Which reminds me: how about those Fish? With Scherzer struggling and Strasburg injured, they might have a shot at moving up in the standings. Good pitching, fundamentally sound.
gofish 2
They’re getting there. It would have been nice to be able to keep Yelich and Realmuto. And not traded away Castillo and Paddack. Maybe they’ll start doing good things now.
Mrtwotone
Fulmer house
mstrchef13
Fulmer House?
king beas
Has his stuff gotten worse? If it hasn’t fall off great buy low and hope to get him back to top 10 pick form
Idioms for Idiots
@king beas
I wouldn’t say it got worse. The problem is he never improved.
Unless you’re looking all the way back to late ’17. Then yes, considerably worse.
His biggest problem is BB’s. And the BB’s turning into runs.
MikeS2
Can’t throw strikes.
Phattey
Damn wish the brewers would have gotten him:/ hope he does well in Detroit
Melchez
Fulmer isn’t a free agent until after the 2024 season. Tigers have time to work with him and see how he can be used. This has the potential to be a huge pick up. He was the #8 draft pick in 2015. His Vanderbilt teammates Dansby Swanson was number 1 and Walker Buehler was #24.
The guy obviously has talent, he was great at Vanderbilt for 3 years. He has had no injury problems. Tigers need to take time and figure out where he fits in best.
This is just like getting an extra first round pick. They just have to work with him and get him back on track.
ChiSox_Fan
He just needs new glasses.
nrd1138
I think his delivery is too wonky, which is why he has control issues. In today’s MLB (heck even the MiLB) the majority of hitters are patient and will let you walk them if you cannot find the strike zone. That is why Fulmer has issues. Also, lets not pretend that awesome college pitchers always make great MLB pitchers (even if a top 10 pick).. Many top 10 picks (college or HS mind you) flame out and Fulmer is no different. If the Sox could not fix his issue, I would be legitimately surprised if some other team could, unless they convince him to radically change that delivery of his.. But anything is possible.
Metsfan9
Poor guy such a fall from a top prospect.
mstrchef13
The Orioles for sure would have jumped on him if Detroit had passed. Elias has been collecting former top draftpicks who have fallen out of favor (Stewart, Eschelman, Wojo, Zastrzny, Tate are all 1st or 2nd round picks the O’s have picked up in trades or on waivers).
bravesfan
Really good grab for a rebuilding team. The guy is still young enough and was once a higher end prospect. Maybe he can find that magic again or at least perform well enough for a brutal tigers team
Dtownwarrior78
For sure with
Dtownwarrior78
For sure worth a flyer, I think change of scenery and coaching staff will work well for this guy. Kind of like when JD Martinez came through after leaving the Astros system, something just clicked in Detroit and he’s been a beast ever since. Worst that can happen is it doesn’t work, then you cut bait and haven’t lost a thing. Curious to see him pitch here!
gotigers68
He’s got no pressure in Detroit, just pitch…