The Giants have signed right-hander Michael Fulmer to a minor league deal, adding experienced depth to their bullpen. Fulmer, 33, has had a rollercoaster career, marked by periods of major league success and lengthy injury interruptions. He was a rotation staple for the Tigers from 2016 to 2018, winning American League Rookie of the Year in his rookie season. However, Tommy John surgery wiped out his 2019 season, and he struggled upon his return, moving to the bullpen. He was a fairly effective reliever from 2021 to 2023 but then required a revision surgery on his ulnar collateral ligament, wiping out his 2024 season. He made a comeback in 2025 but was mostly stuck in the minors, making only three appearances between the Red Sox and Cubs. His 2025 season saw him pitch in Triple-A for the Mariners and Royals, throwing 66 1/3 innings with a 3.39 ERA. His 10.5% walk rate was a bit high, but he struck out 31% of batters faced.
The Giants' bullpen has been weakened by recent trades and injuries. They traded away Tyler Rogers and Camilo Doval at the trade deadline, and Randy Rodríguez required Tommy John surgery in September. The team hasn't made many moves to strengthen the group, instead making buy-low investments in injury reclamation projects like Sam Hentges and Jason Foley. Fulmer joins Gregory Santos as experienced non-roster depth, aiming to pitch his way back into a regular big league role.
The Giants' outfield is projected to consist of 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. Jared Oliva, 30, has a major league track record, having played 26 games for the Pirates over the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He has a .179/.220/.214 line and hit .252/.335/.413 last year with the Brewers, stealing 57 bases. His base running skills could help him earn a bench job if playing time opens up, and he still has options if he eventually gets a roster spot.
