The 2025 MLB season is winding down and teams are preparing for the All-Star break. For teams like the Detroit Tigers it’s been a mad dash to get their rosters set and make a push for October baseball. But with every roster addition comes a tough decision — who gets cut loose?
That’s exactly what happened to former Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer recently. He’s on waivers for the second time this season.
A Veteran’s Bumpy Road Back to the Majors
Michael Fulmer looked like he could be a cornerstone in Detroit’s rotation. Acquired in the big trade that sent Yoenis Cespédes to the Mets in 2015, Fulmer made an immediate impact, winning Rookie of the Year in 2016 and showing flashes of stardom early in his career.
But injuries and inconsistency turned him into a bullpen arm. Still, Fulmer carved out a niche as a reliable right-handed reliever, especially during his 2023 stint with the Chicago Cubs where he appeared in 58 games.
After being released by the Boston Red Sox in late April, Fulmer signed a minor league deal with the Cubs — hoping to get another shot at the big leagues.
DFA’d Again: What Went Wrong?
Fulmer was recalled from Triple-A Iowa earlier this week but barely had time to get settled in before the Cubs made the tough decision to put him on waivers again.
It wasn’t supposed to end like this. The veteran pitcher still has something left in the tank and teams know it. But in today’s fast paced, analytics driven game even experienced arms can get caught in roster crunches and performance metrics.
This is Fulmer’s second DFA of the year — a tough break for a guy who just wants to keep playing.
Where Does He Go From Here?
The Cubs have a week to trade Fulmer or release him. If he clears waivers he’ll hit free agency again — and you can bet there will be interest.
Fulmer has shown throughout his career he can get big league hitters out. His versatility, experience and right-handedness in the bullpen are assets many teams could use as the trade deadline approaches.
While this chapter may be closing in Chicago the story isn’t over yet.
Leave a Reply