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3 trades to fix the Boston Red Sox bullpen in 2022

By Jeff Runnals

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 18: Josh Hader #71 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch in the game against the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field on September 18, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 18: Josh Hader #71 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch in the game against the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field on September 18, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 30: Michael Fulmer #32 of the Detroit Tigers delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning of the game at Target Field on September 30, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Tigers defeated the Twins 10-7. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 30: Michael Fulmer #32 of the Detroit Tigers delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning of the game at Target Field on September 30, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Tigers defeated the Twins 10-7. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

Red Sox Trade Target: Michael Fulmer – RHP, Detroit Tigers

After being named AL Rookie of the Year in 2016 and being selected as an All-Star in 2017, Michael Fulmer’s promising start to his career tailed off as he went 1-6 with a 5.33 ERA in in the second half of 2017 and finished 2018 at 3-12 with a 4.69 ERA in 24 starts. Fulmer then underwent Tommy John surgery and missed all of 2019, before returning for the shortened 2020 season that saw him go 0-2 with an 8.78 ERA in 10 starts.

But Fulmer found new life in 2021 when Detroit moved him to the bullpen where he finished the season with a 2.97 ERA, 14 saves, 73 Ks and a 1.28 WHIP in 69.2 innings. And after signing Eduardo Rodriguez and Javy Baez to five- and six-year deals, respectively, and with 2020 first overall draft pick Spencer Torkelson expected to make his debut this season, the Tigers are likely to consider moving Fulmer for pieces that can help their team for years to come rather than risking the possibility of losing him to free agency after the season.

What would a trade for Michael Fulmer look like?

A trade for Fulmer would likely require one or two mid-level prospects – possibly an outfielder and/or an arm – that could contribute to the Tigers in the near future. Bloom has done a great job of rebuilding the Red Sox’ farm system, and they have a number of pieces that could entice the Tigers to move on from Fulmer this offseason. Perhaps the aforementioned Kutter Crawford (the Red Sox #27 prospect per SoxProspects.com) and defensive-minded outfielder Jeisson Rosario (#49 Red Sox prospect) could peak Detroit’s interest.

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