Detroit Tigers: Michael Fulmer on the trade block?
By Jason Evans
The Detroit Tigers are in full rebuilding mode, and Michael Fulmer could be a piece to get multiple pieces to accelerate the process.
The Detroit Tigers are going to have a long season this year as they embark on their rebuilding process. Having the number one pick in the MLB draft will help, but they have pieces like Miguel Cabrera and Jordan Zimmermann who are entirely untradeable.
One piece they could move to get multiple pieces to accelerate their rebuild is Michael Fulmer. Rival teams are thinking the same thing, as are the Detroit Tigers, and even though it’s May 8, the sharks are beginning to circle.
Michael Fulmer starts tonight against the #Rangers, and I expect scouts to follow him closely, if they aren’t already. Source told me #Tigers are prepared to engage in trade discussions on Fulmer at the deadline but aren’t motivated to move him. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) May 7, 2018
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Fulmer is 25 years old, but not only that, he’s under team control through the 2022 season. That’s a lot of years of control. However, that’s what makes Fulmer so attractive, and why it will take a hefty price to get him.
If I’m the GM of the Detroit Tigers, I have to think about it. They are probably a few years away from serious contention and if you can take a piece like Fulmer, and gain multiple pieces to help fill the core of the roster why not do it?
If I had to guess, a prominent trade match would be the New York Yankees. Fulmer represents the young, cost-controlled assets that Brian Cashman loves to trade for and they have the pieces to do it.
Clint Frazier could be a nice piece for the outfield. Tyler Wade or Thairo Estrada could be their second baseman of the future. Pitching? The Yankees have plenty of that in the minors whether the Detroit Tigers are looking for a starter or a reliever.
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Memorial Day is usually the time teams start to figure out whether they are all in or all out. The Detroit Tigers are going to be in the latter category and because of that, you’re going to hear Michael Fulmer’s name mentioned all summer long in trade rumors. If I’m running the Detroit Tigers and enough young pieces are coming my way for Fulmer, I just might move him.