11:19am: The Braves have had interest in Fulmer in the past, and he’s still “on their radar,” Mark Bowman of MLB.com tweets. Atlanta discussed Fulmer with Detroit over the winter, per Bowman, and the Braves also had reported interest in him last summer.
*Note: Fulmer was placed on the 10-day DL this afternoon.
10:23am: With the Tigers gearing up to sell prior to the July 31 non-waiver deadline, most of their efforts are on trying to move pitchers Mike Fiers and Francisco Liriano and center fielder Leonys Martin, per Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com. While two of the team’s best players – right-hander Michael Fulmer and right fielder Nicholas Castellanos – have come up in trade rumors, Detroit’s not actively shopping the pair and it would take a lot to acquire either, Crasnick adds. That jibes with reports from last weekend.
Among Fiers, Liriano and Martin, Fiers could be the most valuable trade chip. Not only is the right-hander fairly priced ($6MM salary), but he comes with another year of arbitration eligibility. Of course, the former Brewer and Astro is also enjoying a respectable age-33 season, having pitched to a 3.70 ERA/4.67 FIP with 6.54 K/9 and 1.81 BB/9 in 104 2/3 innings. Notably, Fiers ranks 10th among qualified starters in BB/9 and 19th in infield fly rate (12.7 percent), the latter of which has helped to offset a paltry groundball percentage (38.8). On the other hand, Fiers’ strikeouts are down significantly from the eight-plus per nine he has recorded throughout his career, and the contact he has allowed suggests there has been luck on his side in terms of run prevention.
While the Tigers no doubt hope Fiers garners attention in a weak market for starters, it’s possible Liriano will emerge as a left-handed relief option for someone. After working out of the bullpen with the Astros late in 2017, Liriano has served exclusively as a starter this year. But the results have been poor, as the 34-year-old has posted a 4.67 ERA/5.31 FIP with 7.18 K/9 against a sky-high 5.13 BB/9 over 79 frames. Liriano’s struggles have come almost solely against right-handed hitters, who have teed off on him with a .266/.373/.458 line. If there’s a saving grace for Liriano, it’s that he has held same-handed batters to a comical .088/.200/.193 showing. Any team acquiring Liriano would be taking on a rental, one who’s owed the balance of a $4MM salary.
Martin, like Fiers, comes with another year of arbitration control, which should add to his appeal. He’s also cheap ($1.75MM salary) and has been productive at the plate this season, evidenced by a .257/.327/.431 line with nine home runs and seven stolen bases in 306 trips. On the defensive side, Martin has added to his history of well-regarded work in the field, having earned plus marks from DRS (one), Ultimate Zone Rating (7.1) and Outs Above Average (two). The 30-year-old has endured two stints on the disabled list because of hip troubles, however, and has been on the shelf since July 1 (though he should return tonight). Martin also isn’t far removed from a dreadful 2017 in which he hit .172/.232/.281 in 138 plate appearances between the Mariners and Cubs.
Hey Fiers and Liriano, take I-75 south and get off at the SunTrust Park exit, I’ll let the gate know you’re headed this way.
What are you offering?
Which is what matters.
A bag of balls is about what they’re worth
I offered directions, will it take much more than that? I’ll buy them both a pulled pork plate at Fox Bros. BBQ.
Teams don’t _give_ talent away.
Like when the Cubs sent Atlanta Russell and Bonifacio, and got back Caratini. If you wish to add talent, you ought to offer quality in return. It’s how it’s supposed to work.
Friers has an FIP of 4.67, Liriano is at 5.31
Compare that to your mentioned trade, where Russell had a 3.90 FIP and Bonifacio was a super utility sitting with a 92 OPS+ at the time of the deal – yet Caratini was still all the Cubs got.
Teams have to offer quality to get quality
…but have you had Fox Bros. BBQ?
Not the point.
Braveslifer says ‘Come on down’, but doesn’t offer any coherent offer. It seems that his comment would be a bit more useful if he included an offer, like Luis Mejia or Hayden Deal.
This would allow the readers to gauge the interest Braveslifer values the two players for. Personal nit of mine. If you insinuate you’d like a player or two, display as such with players you’d offer.
Or, be a meme and offer a bag of balls, and waste all of our time.
Educate others on what you think is fair, and the service becomes better for zero dollars and zero cents.
Decaffeinated? Just a suggestion.
I rather have Castellanos.
None of those players have any value
If they throw strikes, I’ll take them. Plus if you can get Sam Freeman off the roster, you have addition by subtraction.
Well Liriano doesn’t throw strikes and Fiers is bad so….
If that’s the case, I agree with you. They have no value. I’m sick of these relievers walking everyone. I’d rather see a guy get hit than those free passes. You can just chalk that up to a bad day at the office. Walks border on incompetency. How Sam Freeman is allowed to pitch in close games is ludicrous
If you have ever watched Adam Morgan come on in relief for your team, you would be of a different opinion. Seems like every day is a “bad day at the office” for him. Pitches to way too much contact
Is Michael Fulmer the new Chris Archer?
Is Chris Archer the Old Michael Fuller?
Is this real life?
The sad part is neither Chris Archer or Michael Fulmer are really that good. They were both great when they first came up, but since then it’s been mediocracy at best. Definitely not worth the big return they would ask for either despite the years of control
Your take is reasonable looking at these trends but I believe is incorrect to lump them together. Archer has had great stuff but so so years the last couple. Fulmer’s stats are skewed because of nerve issue then post surgery results. Fulmer has his best velocity ever right now but looking for consistency with off speed offerings which is not uncommon coming off surgery.
Sonny Gray says hi as well
I’m a fan of both but have to agree – both are overrated. Basically due to their names constantly in trade talks. We hear significantly more about Michael Fulmer than we do about mike Trout. Part of our collective obsession with what could happen as opposed to what actually happens.
Could the Tigers be suitors for Jose Martinez as VMarts future replacement ? Would also think Alex Wilson gets dealt too.
Possibly
Why would a rebuilding team want a 29 year old?
29 is young for the Tigers
I think Miguel Cabrera is VMarts future replacement…
Forever.
As an Indians fan, I’d take Martin and Shane Greene. I doubt it would take too much to get them, and they’d help to get rid of some dead weight (McAllister and Guyer).
And Detroit is not looking to help the Indians.
They’d be dumb not to. They’ll be rebuilding for a few years, why not pick up a young guy or two that could help you beat them down the line?
You just described them as dead weight. How does dead weight help the Tigers “beat them down the line?”
He described as dead weight the players the Indians would remove from the roster to make room.
He did not he say those two players would be going to the Tigers
As a White Sox fan I’ll take McAllister. He can make our pen any worse. LOL
Do you want Josh Tomlin too? Lmao
Castellanos would fit Nicely Batting 3rd and playing RF for the Brewers!!
Expect Milwaukee doesn’t want to give up any players of value.
Why do you keep saying this? lol. I am pretty sure this offseason they gave up a few players of value for Yelich. It was also reported the Brewers finished second in the Machado race so they had to have offered players of value there. Clearly you don’t know what you are talking about.
Can he play second or shortstop?
He can play every position about the same. He can’t!
Add Zimmerman with Detroit eating a lot of the money on contract
Fiers to the Yankees? Now that would be intriguing haha
Yankees need Jose Abreu.
No they don’t and it’s not even close.
Ian Anderson and Pache for Fulmer??
Too much. Fulmer seems to be trending in the wrong direction.
Wrong impression fans from other teams have on Fulmer. Fulmer had a low 3 ERA his first year and half (ROY in 2016 and All Star in 2017) last years 2nd half and this year’s 1st have been not good but it is not regression it is injury (nerve) then surgery results. Look at DeGrom who everyone wants now but he had same issue in 2016/2017. He had like a 2.6 ERA in 2014/2015 and 1st half of 2016 but had a 3.7 ERA the 2nd half of 2016 and 1st half of 2017. He had nerve issue in 2016 and surgery in the off season. Last year at this time people were doubting him a little but he is back to dominance the 2nd year after surgery.
You might be right, and maybe the Braves would look smart in a few years, but I have my doubts and regardless what WAR or anything says, I personally don’t want to trade any of our top prospects for Fulmer. If I’m trading too prospects I want it to be for a sure fire currently great player, not someone who’s had issues recently. I want the Braves to win this year, but I’d rather wait and let our young players come up and do it and/or trade for a sure fire superstar
actually its not enough based on war/contract/pay/value models. The Tigers have made it clear they want impct positiom talent. it would take:
pache
riley
top 10 pitcher
thats two top 100 and to be honest thats still short of fulmers “value”
There’s too much team control and too little success this year from Fulmer to see him traded. Contending teams aren’t going to want to give up assets for a guy whose impact this season could be very minimal. It’s just not the time.
Fulmer seems like a perfect fit for Milwaukee.
Anyone seriously believe Castellanos and Fulmer wouldn’t be shipped out today if an overpay was offered?
What player wouldn’t be moved for an overpay?
Not sure why the Braves would want Fulmer. It’s gonna cost them a lot and I don’t think he’s a #1 or 2 starter.
Maybe the Braves think he’s a 1 or 2 starter.
Like how they thought Teheran was a #1 or 2 starter.?
See above. He is a #1/2 when right. He will get back there further away from surgery. Yankees and Dodgers who have smart front offices know this that is why they have shown interest.
Trading several pieces hoping someone “gets right:” isn’t a prudent move in my opinion, but I don’t work for a MLB team front office. Then again no one else here does either.
Fulmer’s career FIP, (in his first two seasons) was a 3.7. That’s very good for a young pitcher but he doesn’t have overpowering stuff. He keeps the ball on the ground at a pretty solid clip but he could very easily be a guy who is just a mid rotation starter. A good #3, There’s really no way to say he’s a #1 when right. There’s no way to know that He hasn’t tossed more than 164 big league innings in a single season yet. Declaring Fulmer a surefire Ace is certainly premature.
He hasn’t pitches enough “when right” to say for sure he’s a 1/2. For what’s it’s worth, I see hitters striking out at record levels, and I see a pitcher with a lot of velo that doesn’t strike many people out? scares me off
Agreed
None of these guys are impact arms.
If you are talking Fiers or Liriano I agree unless your talking using Liriano as a lefty specialist.
I disagree if your talking Fulmer his arm is an impact arm long term. I expect a better ERA in 2nd half like a high 3 ERA but next year and beyond an inexpensive young ace.
Allard, Bryce Wilson & Pache for Fulmer
Too much ?????
Way way way too much (That’s probably about what the Tigers would want, but it’s not worth it). We don’t need him. I’d rather have Allard and Pache
The Braves need two good relievers more than they need another starter. Freeman and McCarthy need to go.
Tigers are interested in Fullerton? never would have guessed
wow that auto correct >.<
It said that the Tigers had reported interest. It isn’t worded well, but I think it means that the Tigers reported that other teams expressed interest.
Someone will take a flyer on Fiers, Liriano for sure, Martin, maybe, Castellanos and Fulmer at this point would be a shocker since the package would have to be very nice. I think Atlanta would be a great fit for Fulmer and they have the prospects and Fulmer is obviously not a rental. Like Milwaukee last year, they were 1 year ahead of projections and Milwaukee made a small move but really went at it in off season. Milwaukee has to follow that up with a big move here or those moves don’t matter. Fulmer would fit there as well and they have some nice prospects as well. Yankees always get mentioned and would be wise to trade for Fulmer but they think Sony Gray will be better in the second half. Okay, lets say he is but is Servino going to duplicate his first half? Doubtful. Is CC and Tanaka going to stay healthy? Probably not. Yanks need two pitchers so unless Cashman is a total dumb ass, he has to make moves or he is wasting a good team.
Why would the Yankees add Fulmer now? Sure, if you think he’s going to rebound in the future that’s great. But how much does he help you this season? You’re going to be paying a high price for a guy who may not be all that useful for you in October this year.
He has just as legit shot at being your #2 in playoff rotation as being “not useful in playoffs”
I agree his production in the 2nd half might not be as good as his next 4 years where I believe he will young ace but I sure think he will upgrade your playoff rotation even as a better #3/4. Not to mention the Yankees are built for a 4-5 year run.
He’s coming off an injury and hasn’t topped 169 innings in his professional career. He’s posted average results this season and you’re going to be paying the price of a guy who would be helping you in the postseason. You definitely can’t say it’s just as likely he’d be a TOR starter for you in the postseason because he hasn’t shown a thing at all this year to suggest he’s going to perform at that level. He’s pitching like a back end starter with the peripherals to support that. You won’t see him dealt this year, I’m very confident in that.
The asking price on Fulmer is going to be equivalent of acquiring an ace. I wouldn’t pay that for him. I’d look at Kevin Gausman, Happ, maybe tyson ross, hamels. Something of that sort. You know what you’re going to get and it isn’t going to hurt your system all that much. .You trade all those prospects for Fulmer and it’s very possible you have nothing more than a back end starter come October. If he was pitching a different level, I could see the argument.
If he was pitching at a different level, the price would go up.
How far do you think the price has dropped? Probably not much.
Tigers asking price? May or may not have dropped much.
Number of teams willing to seriously ponder meeting said asking price? That absolutely plummeted.
Irrelevant now anyway though with him hitting the DL and offically losing all value
So much for the “Fulmer to Atlanta” idea. I wish him well in his rehab.