2016 American League ‘rookie king’ Michael Fulmer is heading to the Chicago Cubs.
Ken Rosenthal of the American ‘The Athletic’ said on the 11th (Korean time), “FA (free agent) right-hander Michael Fulmer has agreed to a contract with the Chicago Cubs.” The exact size of the contract has not yet been revealed.
Fulmer was drafted by the New York Mets in 2011 and turned pro, and stepped on the big league stage with the Detroit Diggers in 2016. Fulmer pitched in 26 games in his first year of debut, pitched 159 innings, went 11-7 with a 3.06 earned run average, and won the American League “Rookie of the Year” title. His performance continued. Fulmer went 10-12 with a 3.83 earned run average in 25 games pitched 164⅔ innings the following year, and was named his first All-Star.
Fulmer, who was on a winning streak, suddenly crashed. Fulmer went 3-12 with a 4.69 ERA in 24 games in 2018, including ulnar nerve transplant surgery, knee surgery, and Tommy John surgery, and did not play a single game in the 2019 season. And in 2020, he was sluggish with an ERA of 8.78 with 2 losses in 10 games.
Fulmer, who played as a starting pitcher for four seasons since his debut, switched to a bullpen pitcher from the 2021 season and was completely revived. Fulmer recorded an average ERA of 2.97 with 5 wins, 6 losses, 9 holds, 14 saves in 52 games 안전놀이터 in 2021, the first season of his position conversion, and last year, he appeared in 67 games with Detroit and Minnesota Twins, recording 5 wins, 6 losses, 25 holds and 3 saves. He posted an ERA of 3.39.
“Major League Trade Rumors (MLBTR)” said, “Fulmer has fully regained his strength in the 2021 season, had a few wobbly appearances in the beginning of the season, but has been successful in the bullpen.” “He was a solid setup man. Fulmer isn’t a dominant pitcher, but he has an above-average swing miss rate and solid game management.”
What role will Fulmer, who recently played both closer and setup man, play for the Cubs? ‘MLBTR’ said, “The Cubs do not have a closer pitcher. Fulmer plans to compete with Brad Boxberger, Brandon Hughes, Rowan Wick, and Albert Alzorey for the closer position.” It will be a great help,” he added.