8. Carson Fulmer, RHP
Birthdate: 12/13/93 (22 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: AA, AAA, MLB
Stats in 2016: 103 IP, 4.63 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 12.23 BB%, 22.71 K% (minor league stats only)
Seeing a guy drafted #8 overall just a summer ago already down to #4 in his own system (a system likely to only produce one top 100 player, if that) really puts the exclamation point on the state of the system.
Fulmer was a very volatile selection when the White Sox plucked him at #8 last summer out of Vanderbilt after he had moved from the bullpen the year before. He had plenty of red flags from scouts ahead of the draft due to his high-energy delivery that can quickly get off base.
Fulmer at his best works with a fastball that runs to 97 and a power curve
In his first season, he breezed through the year, and the White Sox were looking quite wise for their selection. In 2016, however, those mechanical concerns surfaced, and Fulmer struggled to maintain his delivery, struggling with his command, though his control stayed better than one would think.
Fulmer at his best works with a fastball that runs to 97 and a power curve that runs hard and with sharp break. The change is still a work in progress if he wants to remain a starter.
The White Sox brought Fulmer up as a reliever this season, and many feel that will be his future big league role, but he will need to find consistency in his mechanics before he can even be successful out of the bullpen.
Next: #7