Mets Monday Morning GM: 1 reunion candidate who could help the bullpen

You never saw him actually pitch for the New York Mets but the name means a lot to you. Many years ago, when Yoenis Cespedes’ biggest Citi Field moment was winning the 2013 Home Run Derby, the team had a prospect in Single-A hoping to one day join Matt Harvey in the starting rotation. It never would happen because in the summer of 2015 he was traded to the Detroit Tigers.

Only a year later, he won the American League Rookie of the Year. Unfortunately, after an All-Star appearance in 2017, injuries and several bad years pushed him into a relief role. He’s now only a few months away from free agency but a trade candidate this summer the Mets should have their eye on.

Who is this man? It’s Michael Fulmer, silly.

A reunion between the Mets and Michael Fulmer could work

Fulmer shifted to the Detroit bullpen last year and seems to have found himself a new career. He ended up finishing last season with a 2.97 ERA and 14 saves. The Tigers use him as their backup closer sometimes, but he’s more of a setup man. For the most part, A.J. Hinch asks Fulmer to get his team outs in the seventh or eighth inning.

Given that the Tigers won’t sniff the postseason and Fulmer is a free agent after this season ends, it’s only natural to assume he gets traded. The Mets could have some use for him. Their bullpen is a little mysterious at the moment. By the time the trade deadline rolls around, there’s no telling how badly they may need an addition.

Fulmer is off to a fine start yet again in 2022. If Trevor May comes back healthy, the need for him may not exist. The Mets do, after all, also have Drew Smith, Seth Lugo, and Adam Ottavino throwing from the right side. Still, Fulmer is a pitcher to keep an eye on as a candidate to join this ball club. We know full well every pitcher is one “landed funny” away from seeing his career go off the rails.

If it’s not Fulmer they go after, Detroit has several other relievers the Mets should inquire about. Andrew Chafin somehow ended up landing with them this past offseason despite cries from Mets fans to sign him. Another veteran, Wily Peralta, could be a far more affordable trade candidate. Let’s also include Joe Jimenez although his good early numbers don’t match what he has done throughout his career. Yes, let’s pass on him.