Michael Fulmer, a former first-round draft pick of the Mets and the 2016 American League Rookie of the Year, is on the verge of a potential October playoff run with the New York Yankees. At 33, the veteran reliever is working towards his first career postseason appearance, a goal that has eluded him despite past successes with the Detroit Tigers and subsequent stints with other organizations.
Fulmer's journey to the Yankees has been circuitous. He was part of the 2015 trade that sent Yoenis Cespedes to the Mets, a move that ultimately helped spark the Mets' run to that season's World Series, though Fulmer never played for the team that drafted him. After developing into an All-Star starter with the Tigers, where he earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2016 and an All-Star nod the following year, his career took a different path.
This season has seen Fulmer with multiple organizations. He began in the Giants' system before being released and signing with the Angels. After being designated for assignment by Anaheim, a series of injuries in the Yankees' bullpen created an opportunity. He signed a major league deal with the Yankees last month and has expressed his desire to contribute to their playoff push.
"So far, it’s been awesome," Fulmer said of his time with the Yankees. "I really want to help them get to the playoffs, but I can’t get ahead of myself.”
Before joining the Yankees, Fulmer made three appearances with the Angels in August. As of Friday, he had pitched in seven games for the Yankees, allowing two earned runs, five hits, and three walks over six innings while striking out seven. The Yankees will face decisions regarding their postseason bullpen, and Fulmer acknowledges the competition, stating, "The future holds what it holds. I’m just going to give it 100 percent while I’m here."
Fulmer previously played on competitive teams with playoff aspirations in Minnesota in 2022 and with the Chicago Cubs in 2023, but neither venture resulted in a postseason berth. "It brings back memories, facing the team that drafted you,'' Fulmer said of playing against the Mets. "You’re always grateful to them."
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Fulmer added, "You want to go for as long as you can. Life — and this sport — comes at you fast. I just try to go out, compete and stay healthy. I want to try and stay around as long as I can."