2014 Mets Top Prospects: No. 15 Michael Fulmer, RHP

15. Michael Fulmer

Height: 6’3”
Weight: 200 lbs.
Age: 20
Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Overshadowed by Oklahoma high schoolers Archie Bradley and Dylan Bundy at the time, Michael Fulmer was taken in the supplemental first round of the 2011 draft. He’s a big kid weighing in at 200 lbs. and standing at 6’3” with room to fill out. His fastball already sits in the low to mid 90’s and as he gets older and stronger, he could certainly add some more velocity. His slider has the potential to be an above average major league offering but his changeup will ultimately determine if he ends up a starter or reliever. It is below average as of now but he’s still just 20 years old so there’s room for it to develop into a major league average pitch.

Last season, after just 2 starts in the Gulf Coast League, the Mets sent Fulmer to play full season ball in St. Lucie. Across both levels, he pitched to a 3.33 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. His K:BB ratio (42:19) suggests that his control could use some work but as of right now, it’s not nearly anything to worry about as he is still a very raw prospect. Just be glad that the strikeouts are there already.

Outlook: He’ll most likely start the year in St. Lucie, but if he finds success, there’s an outside chance he could move up to AA by the end of the season. If all goes well with Fulmer, he’ll likely inherit the ‘top power arm’ status of the organization once Noah Syndergaard graduates. His fastball and slider have the chance to be at least above average pitches which would be enough to excel in the bullpen, especially with his bulldog mentality. If he can develop his changeup into at least an average offering and improve his command, his ceiling could be as high as a number 2 or 3 starter. This is a big year for Fulmer because if he improves on his success from last season, his name will start to ring out and he could find himself as a top 10 prospect by the start of next season.