Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Fulmer

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 23, 2025

Discover the career path of Michael Fulmer, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Michael Fulmer is a professional baseball pitcher currently in the Chicago Cubs organization. He previously played for the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, and Boston Red Sox in MLB. Fulmer achieved significant recognition early in his career, winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2016 and being named an All-Star in 2017, marking him as a promising talent in the sport.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Drafted by the New York Mets

In 2011, Michael Fulmer was drafted by the New York Mets in the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft and made his professional debut that season with the rookie league Gulf Coast Mets.

2012: Savannah Sand Gnats Season

In 2012, Michael Fulmer started 21 games for the Savannah Sand Gnats, achieving a 7–6 record with a 2.74 ERA and 101 strikeouts.

2014: St. Lucie and Binghamton Mets Season

In 2014, Michael Fulmer started with St. Lucie and finished the year with the Double-A Binghamton Mets, starting 20 games and achieving a 6–11 record with a 4.38 ERA.

July 31, 2015: Trade to Detroit Tigers

On July 31, 2015, Michael Fulmer was traded by the Mets to the Detroit Tigers along with Luis Cessa for Yoenis Céspedes.

March 18, 2016: Optioned to Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens

On March 18, 2016, the Tigers optioned Michael Fulmer to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.

2016: Changeup improvements

After struggling to a 6.52 ERA in his first four major league starts, Michael Fulmer improved his changeups. In 2016 it became a very effective pitch.

2016: First career major league complete game

In 2016, Michael Fulmer recorded his first career major league complete game and first career shutout against the Texas Rangers. He finished the 2016 season with an 11–7 record and a 3.06 ERA.

2016: American League Rookie of the Year Award

In 2016, Michael Fulmer won the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

2017: Knuckle curve introduction

In 2017, Michael Fulmer started to throw a knuckle curve, averaging 77-80 MPH, which he had formerly thrown in high school.

2017: All-Star Selection

In 2017, Michael Fulmer was an All-Star.

2017: All-Star Selection and Elbow Injury

In the first half of the 2017 season, Michael Fulmer earned his first American League All-Star selection. However, he was later placed on the 10-day disabled list due to right elbow ulnar neuritis and underwent elbow surgery for ulnar nerve transposition, ending his season.