The Giants have made a strategic move by signing right-hander Michael Fulmer to a minor league deal, adding experienced depth to their pitching roster. Fulmer, 33, has had a rollercoaster career, marked by periods of major league success and lengthy injury interruptions. He was a standout for the Tigers from 2016 to 2018, winning the American League Rookie of the Year in his debut season. However, a Tommy John surgery sidelined him for the entire 2019 season, and when he returned, he struggled and was moved to the bullpen. Despite a brief resurgence as an effective reliever from 2021 to 2023, another injury forced him to undergo ulnar collateral ligament revision surgery, ruling him out for the 2024 season. In 2025, he made a comeback but was mostly stuck in the minors, making only three appearances for the Red Sox and Cubs combined. His minor league performances last year were solid, with a 3.39 ERA and a 31% strikeout rate over 66 1/3 innings. The Giants' bullpen is notably weaker after trading away key players and dealing with injuries, making Fulmer's addition a strategic move to bolster their depth. He joins Gregory Santos as an experienced non-roster invitee, aiming to reclaim a regular big league role. Meanwhile, the Giants' outfield is projected to feature Harrison Bader, Jung Hoo Lee, and Heliot Ramos, with Jerar Encarnación, Drew Gilbert, Luis Matos, Grant McCray, and others in the mix for bench/depth roles. The team is hoping that Oliva's base-running skills can help him secure a bench job if playing time becomes available. With options remaining, he still has opportunities to prove himself. The Giants' move to sign Fulmer and Oliva adds a layer of intrigue to their roster, leaving fans and analysts alike to speculate on the potential impact these additions could have on the team's performance this season.
