MLB trade rumors: Tigers’ Michael Fulmer is not getting traded

Of all the names circulating in pre-deadline trade talks, one of the most surprising was the mention of Michael Fulmer. Evidently the 2016 Rookie of the Year was drawing a lot of attention from contending clubs looking to add another ace to their rotation. His name was attached to teams like the Cubs, who recently acquired young starting pitcher Jose Quintana from the White Sox for a slew of prospects.

With the Tigers’ front office having previously commented that the team would listen to offers on anyone, some were left wondering if the Tigers might seriously consider a trade offer on the sensational righty. It seemed unlikely, but perhaps not entirely out of the question.

Well, rest easy, Tigers’ fans, Michael Fulmer isn’t going anywhere.

On MLB Network’s High Heat, Tigers general manager Al Avila cleared the air about the Fulmer trade rumors, saying that in spite of teams showing interest in Fulmer, the “probability of [a trade] is probably zero.” He went on to say that there’s likely to be a deal or two in the next week to week and a half.

As our own Kurt Mensching pointed out in his Monday Detroit News column, “[The Tigers] would be wise to hang up the phone on any GM seeking Fulmer. He should be considered the new building block for this organization.”

So, while Fulmer won’t be on the trade block before the deadline, expect one or two key players to be heading to new teams by month’s end.