Michael Fulmer, the productive reliever who spent 2023 with the Chicago Cubs, will miss the entire 2024 season as he rehabs an elbow injury.
Per Patrick Mooney of 'The Athletic.'
In releasing medical updates on several players, the Cubs announced that pitcher Michael Fulmer is expected to miss the 2024 season after undergoing UCL revision surgery on his right elbow Wednesday. Fulmer made 58 appearances for the Cubs while working on a one-year contract.
It's a tough break for Fulmer, who was destined for free agency. It's possible that some team gives Fulmer a two-year deal and allows him to rehab for one season, but that seems unlikely. He's more likely to end up spending a year away and then holding showcases for teams prior to the 2025 season.
He went 3-5 for Chicago this year in those 58 games, striking out 65 batters in 57.0 innings. He had a 4.42 ERA.
He's pitched in seven different major league seasons, but has been around the majors for eight (he didn't pitch in 2019).
He started his career with the Tigers, winning Rookie of the Year in 2016 when he went 11-7. He then made the All-Star Game in 2017. He stayed with Detroit through 2021 and spent part of 2022 there until being dealt to the Minnesota Twins.
Fulmer spent all of 2023 with the Cubs.
If the Cubs had any designs on re-signing him, they'll need to find a different way to upgrade their bullpen. Chicago ended the season finishing second in the National League Central and missing the playoffs.
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