MMN Mid-Season Top 25: No. 8 Michael Fulmer

Welcome to the next installment of MMN’s Mid-Season Top 25 Prospects!

The traditional scouting scale, which ranks players on a scale of 20-80 (abbreviated at times without the zero), can summarize how we feel about a player in an easy to understand format. Now, for those of you unfamiliar with the scale, you’ll see two numbers — something like 30/60, which isn’t a fraction, but rather a representation of their present status and their potential. The number on the left represents their current standing, while the number on the right shows what they could become. For a further explanation on what the numbers mean, I strongly encourage you to check out these links (Scouting for Batters and Scouting for Pitchers) which I will leave on each post going ahead in this series. With that being said, I really hope you enjoy our work going ahead, and any and all questions and comments are appreciated.

Michael_Fulmer

8. Michael Fulmer, RHP

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 200

Age: 20

Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Fastball: 60/70 Slider: 50/60+ Changeup: 30/40 Control: 50/60 Command: 40/50 Makeup: 60/60

The Mets picked Michael Fulmer in the supplemental round of the 2011 draft. The Oklahoma native then started 2012 pitching for Savannah, the Mets affiliate in the Sally League and showed immediate promise. Fulmer struck out nearly a batter per inning while limiting his walks (3.16 BB/9) and showing poise beyond his years. He finished the season with a 2.74 ERA in 108.1 innings.

Fulmer was on the fast track to propect stardom, until a knee injury during the spring of 2013 set him back. He suffered a torn meniscus that required surgery. Although it took some time to work his way back, Fulmer has done just that. In two tuneup starts with the CGL Mets, he struck out 13 batters while walking just one in 12 innings. Fulmer was then promoted to High-A St. Lucie, where he looks to get back on track.

On the mound, Fulmer is said to have a late-inning approach to starting– attacking the strike zone with reckless abandon. His delivery, however, shows some effort and he has a tendency to overthrow, causing him to lose his release point. There’s no denying the stuff, though. His fastball sits 92-94 with good arm side movement. It’s a potential plus-plus pitch. His slider, a hard, biting pitch with good two-plane break also flashes plus. Fulmer’s ability to develop his change-up will decide what kind of prospect he truly is. Right now it’s a work in progress.

Although the injury certainly wasn’t good thing, it’s not considered serious and doesn’t impact Fulmer’s long term potential. He’s a big, strong guy with a solid frame. With some fine tuning, maturation, and the development of his third offering, Fulmer has the chance to be a mid-rotation workhorse with a long career.