Chicago White Sox: Bold predictions for spring training

2. Carson Fulmer wins the final spot in the starting rotation

The 8th-overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, Carson Fulmer has had a roller coaster of a professional career.

At one time, Fulmer was the Chicago White Sox top prospect but fell out of the team’s future plans just one year later. Now in 2018, Fulmer has a chance to re-insert himself in the Sox’s future.

Called up in late August, Fulmer impressed with a 3-1 record and 3.86 ERA in five starts with the White Sox. With Derek Holland out and Miguel Gonzalez back in, one rotation spot is left behind Gonzalez, James Shields, Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez.

At the age of 24, Fulmer is more than major-league ready. If he doesn’t win a role in the rotation, Carson Fulmer could pitch out of a multi-inning relief role, like the one he pitched in during his first call-up stint in 2016.

Dylan Covey and Tyler Danish are the top familiar faces who could challenge Fulmer for the spot. Minor-league spring training invitees T.J. House and Chris Volstad are the top unfamiliar challengers. It’s safe to say that the job is Fulmer’s to lose.

Expect the Chicago White Sox to give Carson Fulmer every chance to prove himself throughout the spring. Unless Fulmer completely blows up (which he has before), Carson Fulmer should start the season in the major league rotation.