May 12, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Hat and glove of Seattle Mariners center fielder Dee Gordon (9) sits in dugout during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Mariners Sign Former Rookie Of The Year After Quiet Release From Royals

Originally posted on Kansas City Royals on SI
By Jackson Roberts | Last updated Aug 21, 2025 4:00 PM ET

The Kansas City Royals have added a lot of intriguing names to their pitching staff this year, but they haven't amounted to much major league production.

There was the signing of Rich Hill, the 21-year veteran who only pitched two games in Kansas City before he was designated for assignment. And Dallas Keuchel, the 2015 American League Cy Young winner, is still toiling away with Triple-A Omaha.

One more former award winner the Royals very quietly added was Michael Ful mer, the ex-American League Rookie of the Year with the Detroit Tigers. He signed a minor league deal with the Royals in July, but was released on Saturday following a 5.89 ERA in 15 appearances.

However, Fulmer didn't remain out of work for long.

Michael Fulmer signs minor league deal with Mariners

Fulmer landed a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, according to the MLB transactions log. He was assigned to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers and even made his debut on Wednesday night, tossing one inning and allowing an unearned run.

That hardly covers the extent of Fulmer's topsy-turvy season, though. In fact, that deserves more of a comprehensive recap.

Fulmer began the year with the Boston Red Sox after missing the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. He was optioned to Triple-A out of spring training but got recalled for one outing in a blowout against the Tampa Bay Rays in April, then promptly got designated for assignment.

He elected free agency on Apr. 20 and signed with the Chicago Cubs, his former major league team, on Apr. 22. But after two months in Chicago, he was designated for assignment on June 29, signing with the Royals on July 3. We've covered the rest.

In eight major league seasons with the Tigers, Minnesota Twins, Cubs, and Red Sox, Fulmer is 37-50 with a 3.95 ERA. He was an All-Star in 2017, the year after his Rookie of the Year campaign, but injuries curtailed his progress and eventually forced him into the bullpen.

Will the Mariners be able to unlock something with Fulmer the Royals couldn't? Not many pitchers return to becoming productive big-leaguers after seasons like this one, but it can't be ruled out.

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This article first appeared on Kansas City Royals on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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