MLB Trade Deadline 2018: Yankees scouting Tigers ace Michael Fulmer

According to George King, the Yankees had scouts on hand in Detroit today to watch Tigers ace Michael Fulmer. Brian Cashman is known to be on the lookout for a starting pitcher as the trade deadline approaches, and Fulmer figures to be a popular target. He tossed eight innings of four-run ball against the Athletics, striking out five in the process.

Fulmer, 25, is in the midst of a rather disappointing season. He owns a 4.20 ERA (4.03 FIP) over 94.1 innings pitched. His strikeout rate is up, but he’s generating fewer groundballs and allowing way too many home runs. This is a far cry from his 2016 campaign that won him the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

The interest in Fulmer makes sense. The Yankees want to add a pitcher, because let’s face it, no playoff rotation contains the likes of Jonathan Loaisiga and Domingo German. Cashman will want an established arm. He also pursued Fulmer in the past, notably making an offer on him over the winter. It could be due diligence, but this seems legitimate.

We will have a more detailed examination as part of Pinstripe Alley’s trade deadline coverage. For now, though, it’s interesting to see that the Yankees are actively in the mix for pitchers. There are scouts in the stands. Exciting!