Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer drawing trade interest

Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer is drawing lots of interest this summer from other teams looking to make a trade. The 24-year-old starter is one of the game’s best arms and certainly someone worth an impressive haul. Could the Tigers break all logic and trade Fulmer to a team in need of a starter?

Last season was a big one for Michael Fulmer. He debuted for the Detroit Tigers in late April and went on to win the Rookie of the Year Award. His 11-7 record and 3.06 ERA in 26 starts were also good enough to land him a 10th place finish in the Cy Young voting. Still very affordable and under their control for several more years, the Tigers have no real reason to trade the man who has become their ace.

The Tigers have plenty of players to sell at this year’s trade deadline. Justin Verlander is available, although he carries with him a very large contract. Making it even more difficult to trade him is poor performance. This is not true with Fulmer, who was an All-Star for the first time this summer. Through 17 starts, the young Tigers starter is on pace for another great year at 9-6 with a 3.19 ERA.

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, Tigers general manager Al Avila is entertaining offers for Fulmer. Since the price tag would likely deplete a team’s farm system, the chances are slim he goes anywhere.

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One noteworthy trade in recent MLB history already included Fulmer. The New York Mets flipped him for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes back in 2015 along with Luis Cessa. One could argue both teams benefited from this deal as Cespedes was a huge reason why the Mets ended up in the World Series that season. Meanwhile, Detroit has not accomplished much in the standings. However, when they do become competitive again, Fulmer should be right there at the top of their rotation.

The Tigers will undoubtedly move at least a few notable players in the coming weeks. Aside from shopping Verlander and waiting for someone to blow them away for Fulmer, outfielder J.D. Martinez is up for sale and likely headed somewhere. Closer Justin Wilson and catcher Alex Avila also seem ready to go elsewhere.

Considering all the factors involved with Fulmer from his affordability, years of control and talent, it’s hard to imagine anyone pays such a steep price. Jose Quintana, though proven over many years, cost the Chicago Cubs a lot and he’s not pitching well this season. The Tigers would land at least an equal package in return for Fulmer.

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But why would they need to?

He is already on track to regularly contend for the Cy Young. Even for three or four prospects, the Tigers are losing so much more.

Whether they’re selling or not, teams will ask about Fulmer. It’s important the Tigers don’t get too irresponsible and move him without guaranteeing the return is of greater value.