The Red Sox have demonstrated a willingness to take calculated risks on injured players in recent years.
This approach was evident in 2022 when they inked James Paxton to an unconventional contract, fully aware that he was sidelined due to Tommy John surgery. Despite the uncertainty, the move paid off, prompting Boston to once again gamble on another pitcher with injury concerns.
According to MLB reporter Michael Mayer and confirmed by Chris Cotillo of MassLive, Michael Fulmer has signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox.
While the specific terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, it is anticipated that Fulmer will sit out the entire 2024 season as he recuperates from UCL revision surgery. This setback comes after he missed the entirety of the 2019 season due to Tommy John surgery, which shares a similar projected recovery timeline.
Last season, the 30-year-old posted a 3-5 record with a 4.42 ERA across 58 appearances after signing a one-year, $4 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. Notably, Fulmer earned the American League Rookie of the Year honors in 2016 with the Detroit Tigers, boasting an 11-7 record and a 3.06 ERA. However, subsequent injuries led to a transition to a relief role following his initial season-ending surgery.
With a career record of 37-50 and a 3.94 ERA over 262 major league appearances, Fulmer has maintained consistency, surpassing 50 appearances in each of the last three seasons. Earlier in the offseason, NESN.com had identified him as a potential target for the Red Sox.
