Mariners add former Rookie of the Year seemingly just for the heck of it

It's been a challenging year for a Seattle Mariners bullpen which in recent seasons has ranked well overall in the majors. They've had their ups and downs in 2025, ranking 13th in ERA, but also 20th in WHIP, tied-20th in opposing team batting average, tied-18th in strikeouts and 16th in fewest walks.

The last week in particular has been a disaster for the M's bullpen, with them pitching 23.1 combined innings in six games and producing a 8.10 ERA, which contributed significantly to going just 1-5 in that stretch. Not adding that extra reliever at the trade deadline appears to be costing the team and there's now some concern, which brings us to their latest signing.

As per Michael Fulmer's transactions tracker on MLB.com, he has singed a minor league contract with the Mariners. Initially, it is understandable to wonder why the M's have made this specific move, with a player who's now with his fourth organization this year alone following spells with the Red Sox, Cubs and Royals.

Mariners have nothing to lose with a look at Michael Fulmer

However, this could be a case of seeing if there's any life left in the old dog, and with low financial risk for a pitcher who does have some intriguing success on his resume. Selected in the first round of the 2011 draft by the Mets, Fulmer went on to make his Major League debut with the Tigers and was named AL Rookie of the Year in 2016 and then selected as an All-Star the following season.

Unfortunately for the 32-year-old, he was unable to build on this early success and was eventually moved from the rotation to the bullpen. Also compromised by some serious injuries at certain points during his career, his last good year was in 2021 and he has only made three appearances in the majors since the conclusion of the 2023 season.

What the Mariners will get in Fulmer is anyone's guess, but he's at least worth a look, especially after losing Trent Thornton right after the trade deadline. The righty has been reasonable enough in Triple-A this season with a 3.90 ERA, 1.283 WHIP and in 55.1 innings over 34 appearances, and he started out encouragingly enough in his debut on Wednesday night in Triple-A Tacoma:

At one point in his career, Fulmer's fastball was reaching 97 mph. Even though he's only at 93.2 mph these days, he's getting by helped by good whiff rates on the curve and sweeper.

Whether he ends up seeing some action for the Mariners remains to be seen. But if nothing else, at least they would be getting someone with 265 games worth of experience at the Major League level.