Blue Jays: Four relievers to watch on the trade radar this summer

Michael Fulmer

Staying with the Detroit Tigers theme (there are a few relievers who could fit the bill for the Blue Jays bullpen), starter turned reliever Michael Fulmer is one player who could find himself on the trade block as the deadline rolls around later this year.

The right-hander found himself heading to the Tigers alongside Luis Cessa at the 2015 deadline as part of the New York Mets’ return for Yoenis Cespedes. Fulmer flirted with the starting rotation for the next five seasons but struggled towards the 2020 mark, eventually undergoing Tommy John surgery in February 2020. Upon his return, Fulmer transitioned more towards the bullpen and now finds himself there permanently, a move that has produced strong results since 2021. This year alone, Fulmer is sporting a 2.89 ERA through 19 outings while striking out 18 batters through 18.2 innings. He has also finished four games this year for the Tigers and has one save on record, allowing just six earned runs this season but walking a few too many batters, evident by his 4.3 BB/9.

While the free passes may be a concern, Fulmer is a free agent at the end of the season and the price tag might not be as high as some of the other reliever rentals this summer on the trade block. The Tigers might not be ready to sell off any pitching assets just yet but could be persuaded if they are far back of the playoff race by the end of July, with Fulmer most likely high on the trade block given his expiring contract and solid stats this season.