The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed right-handed pitcher Carson Fulmer to a minor league contract, including an invitation to major league spring training, according to Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Fulmer, who is 32 years old and represented by Icon Sports Management, has already joined the Pirates’ camp as they prepare for the upcoming season. This move marks another chapter in Fulmer’s ongoing association with the organization despite his absence from a major league game with Pittsburgh.
Fulmer’s Career and Previous Stints with the Pirates
Selected eighth overall in the 2015 draft, Fulmer’s professional career has not mirrored the high expectations that came from his standout tenure at Vanderbilt. Over the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, he compiled a respectable but modest record with a 4.43 ERA, striking out nearly 21% of hitters while issuing walks to just over 10%. His ground-ball rate hovered above 40% across 126 innings split between relief and starting roles. As noted by analyst Alex Stumpf, this current agreement represents Fulmer’s fourth spell involving the Pirates. Initially claimed off waivers from Detroit in August 2020, Fulmer was briefly in Pittsburgh’s system before cycling through waiver claims involving the Baltimore Orioles and Cincinnati Reds. Although the Pirates recalled him to the MLB roster late in the 2020 season, he never appeared in a game before moving on.
Recent Performance and Role in Triple-A
Fulmer’s recent record includes a minor league contract with the Pirates last spring, when he participated in big league spring training but did not secure a major league roster spot. During that season, he pitched 42 2/3 innings for the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, posting a 4.64 ERA across a mix of relief appearances and starts. These statistics align with Fulmer’s general performance in parts of nine seasons at the Triple-A level, reflecting consistency though not dominance.
Competition for Bullpen Spots in Pittsburgh’s Spring Training
The Pirates’ bullpen entering spring training is largely established, but there remain a few opportunities for pitchers to claim a spot. Dennis Santana, Gregory Soto, Isaac Mattson, Justin Lawrence, and Carmen Mlodzinski are expected to be part of the Opening Day roster if healthy. Mason Montgomery, a left-hander acquired in a trade involving Brandon Lowe and Mike Burrows, also appears poised to challenge for a bullpen role. Additional candidates including Evan Sisk, Kyle Nicolas, Cam Sanders, and Yohan Ramirez are competing for the final two spots, with Ramirez potentially favored due to having no remaining minor league options. Along with Fulmer, other non-roster invitees participating in the Pirates’ big league camp include Chris Devenski, Joe La Sorsa, and Beau Burrows.
Implications and What Lies Ahead for Fulmer and the Pirates
Carson Fulmer’s return underlines the Pirates’ willingness to revisit familiar talent to reinforce their pitching depth, particularly as spring training offers a proving ground for both established and aspiring players. While Pittsburgh’s bullpen appears mostly set, competition remains fierce for limited roles, letting pitchers like Fulmer showcase their readiness to contribute. The coming weeks will reveal whether Fulmer can leverage this opportunity to secure a spot in the major league bullpen or continue serving as important depth at the Triple-A level.
RHP Carson Fulmer is here with a locker in the Pirates clubhouse at LECOM Park. It’s a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training, source says.
— Colin Beazley (@colin_beazley) February 23, 2026
Carson Fulmer begins his fourth stint with the Pirates without appearing in a Major League regular season game with them. That has to be a record https://t.co/Q2ap8B8Yg8
— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) February 23, 2026
