
Detroit Tigers trade deadline candidates
13. Michael Fulmer
Michael Fulmer has been a revelation for the Detroit Tigers bullpen. After nearly failing to make the team out of spring training and bouncing in and out of the starting rotation, Fulmer has found his place as the team’s new bullpen ace.
Since moving to the bullpen, Fulmer has ramped up his velocity to the upper 90s, which has resulted in an 11.4 K/9. He has legitimate closer stuff and the Tigers might be smart to let him prove he can be a dominant reliever over a full season before selling him for pennies on the dollar.
As is the case with Turnbull, the Tigers have the leverage with Fulmer. He is a free agent following the 2022 season, but they don’t need to trade him now unless they can get a good bat back.
Honorable Mention: Jose Cisnero
Jose Cisnero doesn’t have the name recognition of many top relievers in the league, but he has been quietly solid since the Tigers scooped him up. His slider has taken a step back this year, as has his repertoire in general, but it was one of the best pitches in baseball last year, registering a crazy 49% whiff rate.
Cisnero could be a great under-the-radar acquisition at the deadline. His cost won’t be prohibitive and he has the stuff to get hitters out when it matters most.