Michael Fulmer’s time with the Boston Red Sox didn’t involve much playing time, but the Chicago Cubs believe the efforts he made behind the scenes during that stint could set him up for future success. On Wednesday, the Cubs signed Fulmer to a minor league contract, just days after the Red Sox designated him for assignment.
Michael Fulmer Missed Entire 2024 Season After Tommy John Surgery
The signing with the Cubs marks a return to familiar territory for Michael Fulmer.
Now 32, Fulmer’s most recent full, healthy season was in 2023, when he pitched out of the Cubs’ bullpen. That year, he logged 57 innings with a 4.42 ERA, a 27.4% strikeout rate, and an 11.8% walk rate. However, his 2023 campaign came to a halt after the season, as he underwent a UCL procedure on his right elbow that October, forcing him to miss the entire 2024 season.
Fulmer later signed a two-year minor league contract with the Red Sox and spent 2024 rehabbing in their system. By October of last year, he was throwing off a mound and expressed optimism about being ready for spring training. Despite working primarily as a reliever since 2021, the Red Sox stretched him out as a multi-inning option during the spring, and he began the 2025 season in the Triple-A Worcester rotation. In 11.2 innings, Fulmer posted a 3.09 ERA with 18 strikeouts and six walks.
With injuries hitting the Red Sox pitching staff, they called Fulmer up on April 13. He pitched in just one game, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks in 2.2 innings during a blowout loss to Tampa. On April 18, the Red Sox designated him for assignment to make room for pitcher Hunter Dobbins. Two days later, Fulmer cleared waivers but chose to become a free agent instead of accepting an outright assignment off the Red Sox’s 40-man roster.
Michael Fulmer Joins Cubs Team With Pitching Issues
Now, Fulmer joins a Cubs team that has faced challenges throughout their pitching staff, which currently ranks 19th in MLB with a 4.17 team ERA. While Colin Rea has helped somewhat ease the impact of losing Justin Steele for the season due to an elbow injury, the Chicago bullpen has been especially problematic.
Fulmer spent four seasons as a starter, including a Rookie of the Year campaign in 2016 with the Detroit Tigers, where he went 11-7 with a 3.06 ERA. After transitioning to the bullpen, he became a reliable and effective reliever for three years. In 2023 with the Cubs, Fulmer posted a 3-5 record with a 4.42 ERA, striking out 65 batters over 57 innings.
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