New Cubs Pitcher Could Be Closer in 2023

Fans have been reading a lot about the Cubs searching for another reliever heading into spring training and we now know who that guy is. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported the news on Friday, as the Cubs have reached an agreement with right-hander Michael Fulmer.

The former starter turned reliever, could end up being the team's closer in 2023.

Jon Morosi first linked Fulmer to the Cubs back in December.

If you take a look at the current group of Cubs relievers, then you will notice that there is not a clear-cut closer on the roster. Sure, there are guys who have had experience in that role like fellow offseason signee Brad Boxberger, Rowan Wick and left-hander Brandon Hughes who closed out some games in 2022 as a rookie. But again, the closer's role has not been filled by anyone yet. So, the Cubs could have very much enticed Fulmer with the closer's role in negotiations with the free agent righty.

Fulmer, 29, made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2016, winning American League Rookie of the Year that season after posting a 3.06 ERA in 26 starts. In 2017, Fulmer was an All-Star and had a decent year with a 3.83 ERA in 164.2 innings. But then things went off the rails for him as a starting pitcher in 2018. Fulmer had a 4.69 ERA in 24 starts and then in March 2019, he underwent Tommy John surgery. The right-hander returned in 2020, but only tossed 27.2 innings and struggled, with an ERA near nine.

However, Fulmer has been a good reliever since 2021, recording a 2.98 ERA in 115 bullpen appearances with the Tigers and Minnesota Twins the last two years combined. He also did some closing for the Tigers in 2021, saving 14 games for Detroit that season.

Fulmer will mainly attack hitters with a fastball/slider combo, averaging nearly 96mph on his fastball throughout his career. In 2022, he had a 3.39 ERA in 63.2 innings with the Tigers and Twins.

But it's Fulmer's slider that could make him lethal out of the bullpen for the Cubs.

The terms of Fulmer's contract with the Cubs still have not been reported, but it may end up resembling Boxberger's deal that he signed earlier in the offseason. Both pitchers have put up similar numbers as relievers in the past couple years, so it's possible the Cubs could get another quality reliever for a modest price. Boxberger signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract. If that's the case, then the front office could conceivably go after another reliever while still remaining below the first tier of the luxury tax. We'll know for sure once Fulmer's deal is officially announced.

Cubs manager David Ross could also play with matchups when it comes to the closer in 2023, as Fulmer did struggle against left-handed hitters in 2022, while dominating right-handed hitters with his nasty slider.

So, keep an eye on Fulmer during spring training, as he could end up being the Cubs closer in 2023.