MLB signings don't always pan out, and the Boston Red Sox have learned that the hard way. One of the club's more recently disappointing additions was veteran pitcher Michael Fulmer, who joined the Red Sox on a two-year minor-league contract back in February.
The Red Sox decided to roll the dice on the former All-Star pitcher after Fulmer missed the 2024 campaign due to a UCL injury. Due to his experience as a starter and reliever, Boston was hopeful that the experienced hurler would figure out a way to fit into manager Alex Cora's plan.
Much to his dismay, Fulmer was designated for assignment by the Red Sox in April after a disastrous debut. He elected free agency on Apr. 20 before signing a new contract with the Chicago Cubs three days later. That partnership was also short-lived, as the Cubs DFA'd him last week before he became a free agent again.
As it turns out, it didn't take long for his next opportunity to arise.
Former Red Sox RHP Michael Fulmer Signs with Royals After Cubs DFA
On Thursday, the Kansas City Royals announced that Fulmer has been signed to a minor-league contract for the rest of the 2025 campaign. The failed Red Sox signing will begin his run with Triple-A Omaha until he proves that he can handle an MLB workload again.
We have signed RHP Michael Fulmer to a minor league contract and he will report to Triple-A @OMAStormChasers today.
— Raising Royals (@KCRoyalsPD) July 3, 2025
The Royals currently own the fourth-best ERA in the Majors (3.48), so if there's any club that can fix Fulmer's shortcomings, it's them. It's going to take a lot of work, though, especially after the former AL Rookie of the Year pitched to a 4.42 ERA and 1.412 WHIP between his stints with the Cubs and Red Sox.
Fortunately, Fulmer's fresh start began on the right note. The ex-Red Sox reliever pitched a scoreless inning in Omaha's 12-3 loss to Iowa on Thursday night, striking out a batter along the way. It'll be interesting to see if that's a sign of things to come or not.
Interestingly enough, Boston fans could be reunited with the 32-year-old veteran sooner rather than later. The Royals are scheduled to visit Fenway Park for a three-game series at the beginning of August, giving Fulmer about a month to earn a promotion if he wants to get revenge on the Red Sox.
Based on how his 2025 campaign has gone, a promotion for Fulmer within the next 30 days is far from guaranteed.