The Detroit Tigers are one of the teams that have been struggling for many years. Big names like Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander, and Max Scherzer are long gone from the franchise. The rebuilding phase has been grueling and challenging for the organization as the trajectory of the struggles has been abysmal. Some pieces have not panned out as planned, but one reliable and terrific arm is pitcher Michael Fulmer.

Since his MLB career began in 2016, Fulmer has impressed from the onset as he won AL Rookie of the Year over Gary Sanchez and Tyler Naquin. He started in the rotation of the Tigers, tallying 11 and 10 victories in 2016 and 2017, respectively. However, struggles persisted the following year before the franchise changed his role in 2021 to the closer of the squad.

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, Michael Fulmer is in the midst of trade talks, so here are three names wherein he would fit ideally.

Boston Red Sox

In the past, the Boston Red Sox constantly competed for a spot in the playoffs. The offense will not be a question mark for the Red Sox, led by the big bats like Rafael Devers, Xander Bogaerts, and J.D. Martinez. Conversely, the bullpen has been one major weakness of the squad as Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier is just some of the names that have been struggling as the relievers of Boston.

Michael Fulmer will fill a significant void on the back-end as the closer of the Wild-Card contending Red Sox. Manager Alex Cora would desire a reliable and robust arm like Fulmer in high leverage situations. The fastball of Fulmer continues to be a lethal weapon for him, which will be a vast improvement from their current crop of guys. This trade would cost Boston to trade a couple of prospects, but it would be beneficial for them in the long run.

Toronto Blue Jays

One of the prominent AL East rivals of the Red Sox is the Toronto Blue Jays. Like their counterpart, the Blue Jays have the big boys on their lineups like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, but the pitching staff can still be fortified. The offense is vital in the biggest stage, but adding a big name like Michael Fulmer to backstop closer Jordan Romano will be very integral.

Going up against the likes of the Houston Astros and New York Yankees in a series will be an arduous ride, so the significant number of relievers is critical. Even if Jordan Romano has been one of the most incredible AL closers, Michael Fulmer's fastball and strikeout rate will benefit the bullpen of Toronto. As an inexperienced team in the postseason, this must be the year they will realize the importance of adding a proven arm who would be crucial in the biggest games.

San Diego Padres

Despite the continued absence of generational talent Fernando Tatis Jr., the San Diego Padres remain among the most formidable squads in the NL. The LA Dodgers are likely claiming the AL West crown, but the Padres will need more individuals to supplement the mighty arm of Taylor Rodgers. Coming off an All-Star stint with the Minnesota Twins, the organization will need more setup men before the 9th inning.

With Rodgers being a lefty, Michael Fulmer will aid Nick Martinez and Luis Garcia in holding the lead of the Padres. Over the past few years, the front office's focus has been on pitching by adding players like Rodgers, Blake Snell, and Yu Darvish. Thus, acquiring a young and remarkable talent like Fulmer would be terrific for the Padres. 

Pitching could be an underrated aspect for some teams. However, the ones that experienced painful losses in the postseason know the massive value of having skillful pitchers. Michael Fulmer may not be as popular as others because he is with the Detroit Tigers. Still, the market must realize that he has that mentality of bouncing back from his unfortunate Tommy John surgery.