Detroit Tigers News: Michael Fulmer Agrees to a 1 Year Deal

The Detroit Tigers avoid arbitration with Michael Fulmer and agree to a new contract for the 2020 season. What should Tigers fans expect from him?

As reported by Evan Woodbery of Mlive.com, the Detroit Tigers come to terms with Michael Fulmer to a one-year deal worth $2.8 million dollars.  The 26-year-old right-hander missed all of last season with Tommy John surgery.

The 2016 Rookie of the Year and 2017 All-Star is looking to return to form to join a rotation that needs help. The Tigers were ranked 27th in the league among starters with an ERA of 5.51, .283 batting average against, and only had three shutouts. The team ERA of 5.24 is the 7th worst in team history and marks the second time in the past three seasons the Tigers have posted a team ERA of over 5. 

What is a reasonable expectation for Michael Fulmer when he comes back in July?

Tommy John surgery has come a long way since the surgery named after the former Dodgers starter.  There are so many moving parts when it comes to recovery. Elite Baseball Performance has a great article I would highly suggest everyone check out about the entire process of recovery. The author, Dan Blewett, has had the surgery twice and spoke about the mental and physical toll. 

"“Lastly, there’s this idea that every player should be back on the mound, dominating and throwing 2-5mph harder at the 12-month mark. This just isn’t reality for most pitchers. Most pitchers will feel like their old selves again somewhere between the 14 month and 24-month mark.”"

Fulmer according to Fangraphs Steamer projections, is projected to throw 75 innings and post an ERA near 4.57. That is a welcome sight for Tigers fans but remember, he struggled with a left oblique strain in 2018, shutting down any trade rumors that were happening at that time.  His pitching mix is a sinker, four-seam fastball, slider, and changeup so getting touch and feel back to his off-speed pitches could take some time and before his surgery, his average fastball velocity was at 95.8 so, looking forward to seeing what his velocity would be, post-surgery.

The Tigers still should seek another starter to add to the rotation if the young prospects like Casey Mize and Matt Manning are not ready to go yet. Dario Agrazal and Zack Godfrey will get their opportunities but in my opinion, another veteran starter that can throw at least over 150 innings would be a nice bonus.