The Chicago Cubs have signed veteran RHP and 2016 American League Rookie of the Year Michael Fulmer to a minor league contract, according to Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register.
Fulmer will join the Triple-A Iowa Cubs and could potentially lessen the devastating loss of star pitcher Justin Steele, who will not return until at least 2026. Chicago would need a blockbuster trade to fully compensate for Steele's production, but Fulmer has still proven himself as a Big League pitcher.
From 2016-2022, Fulmer had a 3.89 ERA and 3.99 FIP over 617 innings of work while also mixing in 17 saves, 14 of which came for the Detroit Tigers in 2021.
Fulmer was also a Cub in 2023 and had a decent year out of the bullpen. His 3-5 record, 4.42 ERA, and 4.14 FIP were encouraging enough for Chicago to reunite with the 32-year-old.
Fulmer underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 and had a revision surgery in 2023, sidelining him for the entire 2024 campaign. He most recently pitched for the Boston Red Sox this April, allowing three earned runs on four hits, one home run, two walks, and two strikeouts over two and 2/3 innings.
Chicago's plans for Fulmer are currently unclear, though it seems unlikely that he will stay in Iowa all summer. He knows how to pitch at this level and is familiar with Wrigley Field. He could take starts instead of Colin Rea or serve as an opener.
However, a bullpen role feels most likely as the Cubs currently rank fourth-worst in baseball with a combined ERA of 5.34. They are in no position to refuse support, and Fulmer may be the depth piece that stabilizes the ship.
