Detroit Tigers: 5 Breakout Candidates for 2016

Michael Fulmer

The Tigers 2015 season quickly steered off course and, as the trade deadline neared, they were faced with the decision to buy or sell. At the deadline their record stood at 50-53. Not technically out of playoff contention, but not an ideal situation to be in with just two months left of the regular season.

If they decided to buy, they could keep superstars David Price, Yoenis Cespedes, and Joakim Soria,and bring in key pieces that would bring playoff hopes back to Detroit.

If the decision was to sell, they would dump their ace, left fielder, and closer, and trade them for younger players in hopes of rebooting for the future.

They couldn’t put it off any longer and they were eventually sellers come July 31. They traded Cespedes to the New York Mets, and in return, reeled in one of the best young prospects in baseball.

Michael Fulmer was headed to Detroit, and immediately made a name for himself. Through 6 games with the Double-A Erie Sea Wolves, Fulmer compiled a 4-1 record along with a stellar 2.84 ERA. Fulmer is now listed as the top prospect in the entire Tigers organization.

Fulmer has the chance to compete for a spot on the Tigers 25-man roster in 2016, whether as a starter or a piece in the bullpen.

The Tigers haven’t boasted a top arm like this since when Justin Verlander came up in 2006, and similar to JV, Fulmer has the opportunity to become an elite pitcher with the Detroit Tigers.

Next: Daniel Norris