Chicago White Sox: Three young players to watch in 2018

3. Carson Fulmer

For Fulmer, the stuff has never been an issue. He’s always had the live arm.

It was always the mechanics and the control that eluded him and delayed his ascension as a big-leaguer. As such, the 2015 No. 8-overall pick has had to battle through some difficult moments with Class AAA Charlotte and the Chicago White Sox.

Even in last season’s fall stint with the major league squad when he showed marked improvement, he still surrendered a WHIP of 1.243 and had only six more strikeouts (19) than walks (13).

And the numbers this spring (11.83 ERA, 13 walks vs. nine strikeouts, 18 hits surrendered in 10.2 innings pitched) haven’t been terribly encouraging either.

But then in his last two starts, one before Rick Renteria announced him as the team’s fifth starter and one after, he settled in and finally started to play the part.

Of course, given his overall tally, he probably didn’t “win” the job, per say. The White Sox likely know this isn’t the year to worry about competing. And chances are that if Fulmer stays on this trajectory, he won’t be in this rotation when the team is ready to win.

That said, he badly needed those starts. After all, they reaffirm what Fulmer is when he puts it all together.

And with that in mind, a big 2018 season could, in theory, change the narrative surrounding him to an extent.

If Fulmer can start reining in his arm and locate his pitches consistently, he has the talent to be a truly solid major league starter. And even if the Sox go with Alec Hansen, Dane Dunning and others over Fulmer in the rotation eventually, he could latch on in the bullpen given his ability.

But whatever Fulmer’s future could be with the White Sox, 2018 is critical to him carving out a place here. He doesn’t have to be outstanding to stick around; he has to deliver solid, consistent outings, particularly in limiting walks.

The White Sox desperately want him to be good, and they’re going to give him a real chance to show that he can be. Ready or not, here it comes.