Pirates Sign Carson Fulmer to Minor League Deal for 2026

The Pittsburgh Pirates just added a familiar right-handed arm to their spring-training mix. Carson Fulmer signed a minor-league deal and got an invite to big-league camp.

Fulmer, 32, was the No. 8 overall pick back in 2015. He’s spent parts of nine Triple-A seasons, but still hasn’t pitched in a major-league game for Pittsburgh, despite bouncing around the organization a few times.

This move really highlights how much the Pirates value depth and flexibility in their bullpen. As spring training approaches, they’re clearly leaving the door open for several candidates to grab some Opening Day innings.

Fulmer’s return to Pittsburgh and what the deal signals

Fulmer’s story? It’s honestly one of persistence and a lot of adapting. After the White Sox drafted him, he moved through a bunch of systems and landed in the Pirates’ orbit more than once, including a non-playing big-league call-up in 2020.

Now, as he heads into his age-32 season, Fulmer brings some veteran vibes to a bullpen that’s still sorting itself out. This contract feels like a classic low-risk, high-reward flier for a club that wants to see different looks for late-inning and long-relief roles.

Last season with the Angels, Fulmer worked as a multi-inning reliever. He threw 126 innings over 44 relief appearances and nine starts.

He posted a 4.43 ERA, struck out 20.9% of batters, walked 10.2%, and got grounders at a 42.3% clip. That’s the profile of a guy who can handle longer outings but can also shift into shorter relief stints when needed.

His Triple-A numbers line up pretty closely with what he’s shown in the majors—steady enough to trust in different spots, but not so overpowering that a guaranteed MLB job ever materialized.

Spring training invites, bullpen depth and roster competition

Besides Fulmer, the Pirates have a pretty wide group of arms coming to spring camp to fight for bullpen jobs and depth roles. The current mix has a bunch of established and up-and-coming options, all itching to prove themselves with spring games on the horizon.

• Dennis Santana and Gregory Soto should anchor parts of the late innings, bringing both velocity and some nasty breaking stuff.
• Isaac Mattson and Justin Lawrence are big-armed relievers with a history of bullpen flexibility.
• Carmen Mlodzinski offers a multi-role profile and could snag innings in relief or spot starts.
• Lefty Mason Montgomery—picked up in a three-team trade that sent Mike Burrows to Houston—is in the hunt for a long-term Opening Day spot.
• Other non-roster invitees who could push into the mix: Evan Sisk, Kyle Nicolas, Cam Sanders, and Yohan Ramirez.
• Plus, Chris Devenski, Joe La Sorsa, and Beau Burrows join Fulmer in camp, giving Pittsburgh a lot of options to test out for multi-role relief work.

The Pirates want to find a mix of swing-and-miss stuff, ground-ball ability, and guys who can eat innings. Fulmer and the rest of the non-roster arms give them a more adaptable bullpen plan for the early season.

Fulmer’s career path and what it could mean for the Pirates

Carson Fulmer’s career has always felt like potential waiting for the right moment. He was a top-10 pick, yet he’s spent years as a fixture in the minors.

Fulmer’s shown he can handle multiple innings when a team asks. In 2023 at Triple-A Indianapolis, he logged 42 2/3 innings over seven relief outings and six starts, finishing with a 4.64 ERA.

Those numbers really aren’t far off from his overall Triple-A track record. He’s become a reliable depth arm, even if he hasn’t quite forced his way into a steady big-league spot.

The Pirates decided to bring Fulmer back on a minor-league deal. There’s a spring commitment angle here, suggesting they’re leaving the door open as they piece together their 2024 bullpen.

He’s not exactly a lock for the major-league roster. The team sees him more as a veteran depth guy who could handle long relief, bridge appearances, or maybe even a spot start if things get weird.

Fulmer already knows the Pirates organization, so he might settle in quicker than a total newcomer. If he impresses during spring games or in those early-season looks, maybe he gets a shot sooner than later.

The Pirates have a mix of proven arms, hopeful prospects, and more waiting in the wings. They seem to like spreading their bets, and Fulmer’s path—full of persistence and adaptability—fits that whole vibe.

 
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