Veteran rehabbing Red Sox reliever 'trending well' for spring training next season
The Red Sox signed veteran right-handed pitcher Michael Fulmer before spring training to a two-year minor league pact. Fulmer missed the entire season after undergoing UCL surgery last October.
The rehabbing reliever is making progress and is “throwing off a mound and trending well for spring training,” according to WEEI’s Rob Bradford.
With veterans Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin free agents this winter, a healthy Fulmer can offer the Red Sox meaningful innings at some point next season. He should figure into the mix that will include Liam Hendriks, Justin Slaten, Garrett Whitlock, and others.
A twist in Fulmer’s Red Sox tenure could come into play this December. The righty is eligible for the Rule 5 draft and could be selected if a team is looking for a cheap option for their bullpen next season. Boston will need to make a decision whether or not they’d like to protect him and add him to the 40-man roster this winter.
The 31-year-old posted a 4.42 ERA in 58 appearances during the 2023 season pitching for the Cubs. ZiPS projections have Fulmer posting a 4-4 record with a 4.41 ERA, 4.43 FIP, and 1.41 WHIP in 50 games over 51 innings in 2025.
The former Cubs’ reliever’s deal includes a $1.5 million major league salary in each season, according to MassLive’sChris Cotillo. The deal will also include incentives and performance bonuses to max out at $2 million in 2025. Fulmer will need to be selected to the big league roster to earn his $1.5 million salary per season.
The righty offers a five-pitch mix, sweeper, four-seamer, cutter, sinker, and changeup. Fulmer used his sweeper (30.6%) and four-seamer (28.6%) the most in 2023. His sweeper was effective against opposing hitters, holding them to a .183 batting average and a .156 expected batting average. Fulmer ranked in the 92nd percentile in Whiff percentage, 95th in hard hit percentage, and 92nd in exit velocity.
The Oklahoma native has primarily been a reliever since 2021, appearing out the bullpen 125 times the last two seasons. Over the course of the last three seasons, Fulmer is 37-50 with a 3.94 ERA across 262 total big league appearances to date and eclipsed 50 appearances.