Detroit Tigers: 10 Players Least Likely to be Traded

#1 Michael Fulmer

Age: 23
Position: Starting Pitcher
Controllable Through: 2021
2016 Stat of Note: 3.0 WAR

The 2016 American League Rookie of the Year, Michael Fulmer is the kind of young player teams envision acquiring as the centerpiece of a blockbuster.

Detroit brought in the starter in just that—a blockbuster.

Fulmer came to Detroit in the Yoenis Cespedes trade and looks to headline the Tigers rotation for years to come.

In 159 innings, the former Mets farmhand turned in a stellar 3.0 WAR while striking out 7.47 batters per nine innings. Fulmer also contributed a 10.4 swinging strike percentage while allowing just 0.91 home runs per nine frames.

All in all, the 23-year-old posted a sparkling 3.06 ERA.

In winning the award for the American League’s top rookie, Fulmer beat out New York Yankees backstop Gary Sanchez and Cleveland center fielder Tyler Naquin.

Why the Detroit Tigers Won’t Trade Fulmer

A future, and current, ace, Fulmer simply won’t be dealt.

The potential return for Fulmer in any trade would be unquestionably high, but given the young starter’s upside, he won’t be changing uniforms any time soon.

Next: Anibal Sanchez' 2016 in Review

Looking to the future, its exciting to imagine a future Detroit rotation featuring Fulmer, Verlander and Manning. The Tigers could potentially have three aces to throw at opposing teams.