Detroit Tigers: Predicting the Starting Rotation

Michael Fulmer
Age: 23
Throws: Right-Handed
Years of Major League Experience: One
2016 Stat of Note: 1.119 WHIP

The Detroit Tigers have done nothing but benefit from the Rick Porcello trade.

While the starter did go on to win the Cy Young last season, the Tigers certainly aren’t complaining.

In return for the former first-round pick, Detroit picked up Alex Wilson, Gabe Speier and Yoenis Cespedes.

Wilson has developed into one of the club’s most effective relievers, with a sparkling 2.58 ERA in 143 relief innings for the Tigers.

Meanwhile, Speier was flipped to Atlanta as part of the trade that brought Cameron Maybin back to the Motor City.

Last but not least, Cespedes logged a 4.4 WAR in a half season with the Tigers before being shipped to the Mets for a pair of pitching prospects.

One of those prospects was Luis Cessa, who was traded to the Yankees in the Justin Wilson deal. The other was one Michael Fulmer.

The starter registered the fourth-highest WAR on Detroit’s roster.

What’s more, Fulmer would look like the team’s best pitcher at times, which is saying something considering how dominant Verlander was in 2016.

Look for the second-year player to slot in behind the future Hall of Famer atop Detroit’s rotation.