Michael Fulmer could be the replacement the New York Yankees need for MIchael King. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
After learning they might be without Michael King for the rest of the year, the New York Yankees should be in the market to make an emergency trade to replace him.
Michael King was a huge and unexpected weapon out of the New York Yankees bullpen this season. Unfortunately, he’s likely out for the rest of the season with an elbow injury.
King had gone 6-3 for the Yankees with a 2.29 ERA. He accomplished this in 34 games which include 51 innings and 66 strikeouts. He was someone they were relying on heavily. Now, they’ll need to look to fill the hole at the trade deadline.
The timing does work well as the team now has time to call up and make an emergency bullpen trade. Who can they find to help replace what King was giving them?
1) Yankees emergency bullpen trade: Michael Fulmer
Michael Fulmer won’t come at a bargain to the Yankees from the Detroit Tigers but maybe they can at least save on the locker name tag by making an emergency trade for a different Michael. Fulmer, a member of the Detroit Tigers, successfully transitioned from a starter to a reliever role in the Motor City. This year he’s 2-4 with a 2.31 ERA in 35 innings of work.
Fulmer is hardly the same type of reliever as King has been. Fulmer has logged 35 innings in 36 appearances. Despite a history of starting, he is a one-inning per appearance guy.
Nevertheless, the Yankees should look to add the very available Fulmer. A free agent at the end of this season, it makes all of the sense in the world for the Tigers to deal him.
The Yankees bullpen has been one of the best parts of their 2022 season. Fulmer can help the theme continue on and for a reasonable cost.