Report: Dodgers aggressively pursuing Tigers' Fulmer
The Los Angeles Dodgers, already one of the favorites to land Manny Machado before the July 31 deadline, may not be content with simply upgrading their lineup.
Los Angeles is apparently also shopping for starting pitching, and is aggressively pursuing Detroit Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Fulmer would presumably come at a high cost for the Dodgers thanks to his years of team control remaining, which would also benefit the rebuilding Tigers. He'll be arbitration eligible for the first time this coming winter, and, thanks to his status as a "Super 2" player, won't reach free agency until after his fourth year of arbitration in 2022.
Related - Report: Tigers prepared to discuss Fulmer at trade deadline
The 25-year-old, who was named AL Rookie of the Year in 2016, is experiencing a slight backslide. He came into Tuesday's start against the Cubs sporting a 4.04 ERA (104 ERA+) in 16 starts, but has looked better of late, with a 2.93 ERA and 25 strikeouts to just three walks over his last four outings.
It appears Los Angeles has plenty of competition for his services, as Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres all checked with Detroit about his availability.
Additionally, a Milwaukee Brewers executive was at Wrigley Field for Fulmer's start on Tuesday, according to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press.