So far in the offseason – in the last two, to be fair – the Chicago Cubs have shown they are ready to compete and make a run at the postseason after a couple of years out of the party.
This offseason, they signed Jameson Taillon, Dansby Swanson, Eric Hosmer, Cody Bellinger, Trey Mancini, Tucker Barnhart, Brad Boxberger, and Julian Merryweather.
Just when we all thought they were done, they added another name to the list on Friday.
The Cubs and Michael Fulmer are in agreement on a contract, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
Free-agent right-hander Michael Fulmer in agreement with Cubs, sources tell @TheAthletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 10, 2023
Fulmer was brought up to the majors as a starter and had two excellent campaigns in 2016 and 2017 to open his MLB career.
After three horrible years filled with injuries and poor results on the mound from 2018 to 2020, he reinvented himself as a reliever and had a fine 2021.
That year, he posted a rock-solid 2.97 ERA in 69.2 frames with the Detroit Tigers.
Between the Tigers and the Minnesota Twins last year, he was at a 3.39 ERA in 63.2 innings.
He offers a high-leverage arm with potential for a lot of strikeouts.
He should fill in nicely at the back of the Cubs bullpen.
In fact, he could be the early favorite for saves in a Cubs bullpen that lacks a proven closer.
Last year, he had 17 saves and 34 holds, showing that he can pitch in a variety of roles.
Fulmer is a solid veteran addition for a bullpen that needed at least one more trustworthy arm.
If he can remain healthy, this hire should be a win for Chicago.
NEXT: Cubs Analyst Makes Bold Prediction For 2023
