The Mets selected Michael Fulmer in the supplemental round (44th overall) of the 2011 MLB Draft, a pick they received as compensation for the Yankees signing Pedro Feliciano. Upon drafting him, Mets VP of Player Development Paul DePodesta had this to say to MLB.com about Fulmer:
“We were hopeful that there was a potential impact arm waiting for us at 44. The guy we had circled the whole time was Michael Fulmer, and we were thrilled when he was actually there.”
He came in at 9th overall in the MMN Top 25 Prospects list at the start of the season.
Fulmer, who turned 20 in March, grew up in Edmond, Oklahoma. He played his high school ball at Deer Creek HS, going 10-2 in his senior year with a 0.72 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 68 innings on the mound. It’s worth noting that Fulmer also played third base, hitting .436 with 6 homeruns and 43 RBI. For all his efforts, he was named first team All-State as well as honored with the Ferguson Jenkins award (given to the top players in Oklahoma). Michael passed on an opportunity to play at the University of Arkansas to sign with the Mets for a bonus just under $1MM.
On the mound, he has a bulldog mentality and a bit of a mean streak. “When we were talking about Michael Fulmer, the first word out of one of our scouts’ mouths was, ‘This guy doesn’t like hitters.'” recalls DePodesta, “He had me sold right then. This guy pitches mean.” You don’t have to look far when trying to figure out where that streak comes from. “My all time favorite player is Curt Schilling.” Fulmer told MetsMerizedOnline.com.
Fulmer attacks hitters with a fastball that averages 92-95 with good arm-side run, with the ability to reach back for more. His slider has been the pitch that has taken the biggest step forward, flashing plus potential. Fulmer also features a good curve ball and a changeup that could use some work. Baseball Prospectus’ Jason Parks had this to say about Fulmer in his scouting report:
“Attacks the zone without fear…shows feel for repeating delivery and throwing strikes.”
“Arm works well, but delivery shows some effort; tendency to overthrow.”
“Overall Future Potential: 6; no. 3 starter”
Back in March, Fulmer suffered a setback in his development when he tore his meniscus in his right knee. While the injury is not expected to hamper his long term outlook, he’s just getting back into game action now. He recently made his first start, going six innings for the GCL Mets while striking out six and issuing just one walk without surrendering a run. This is certainly encouraging news for a young pitcher who could easily rise up Mets prospect lists and insert himself in some of the major Top 100 lists in the industry.
Follow Michael Fulmer on Twitter @MFulmer12 as he works his way back to prospect stardom.