Chicago White Sox: Five bold predictions for 2019 season
No. 2: Carson Fulmer is off the White Sox 40-man roster by June 1st
One way or another, there is no scenario in which I can envision Carson Fulmer on the White Sox active roster for much longer.
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The White Sox 2015 first-round pick has had an absolutely disastrous major league career. In nine games (eight starts) last season, Fulmer recorded a 2-4 record with an 8.07 ERA, walking a whopping 24 batters in 32.1 innings.
During spring training, it hasn’t been much better for Fulmer. In three games this spring, Fulmer has a 10.80 ERA.
Early this offseason, Fulmer’s name was mentioned in trade discussions with the Los Angeles Dodgers for Joc Pederson. While those haven’t amounted to anything yet, the White Sox have clearly at least explored the idea of moving Fulmer.
If he’s traded, it has to be sooner. Ever since his debut in 2016, Fulmer’s career has been on a steep slope downhill. I highly doubt we’ll see anything out of Fulmer this season. Hopefully, one of the other 29 teams sees something that they like and gambles on a former first rounder.
If Fulmer isn’t dealt, I still don’t think it lessens his chances of being off the team. Assuming that Fulmer breaks camp with Triple-A, the White Sox may decide to give him one last chance as an injury replacement in the MLB. If that doesn’t go well, the White Sox could (and should) opt to designate him for assignment, thus giving the White Sox an option to trade, release, or demote Fulmer. All three result in Fulmer’s removal from the 40-man roster.
Why June 1st? I think the White Sox would be foolish to give up on Fulmer yet. The clock certainly is ticking though. Player’s get off to rusty starts in the spring, and that’s understandable, but Fulmer has to get something going. Personally, I don’t think he will.