Fulmer looks forward to getting started with Chicago White Sox

Thanks to their poor showing over the first half of the season, the White Sox are expected to trade a starting pitcher, most likely Jeff Samardzija, to a contending team.

On Friday, a very likely replacement made his first trip to U.S. Cellular Field.

Carson Fulmer, a collegiate All-American from Vanderbilt and the Sox' first-round draft pick (No. 8 overall) last month, was in town after agreeing to a minor-league contract and $3.47 million signing bonus.

Much like Chris Sale and Carlos Rodon, last year's No. 3 overall draft pick, Fulmer is talented enough to be in the major leagues by next season.

"I feel like in certain ways you've got to be patient," the 21-year-old Fulmer said. "Obviously, the White Sox have a plan. I'm a part of the organization now; I just have to sit back and try to develop as much as I can as a player and just let them control it.

"All I can go out and do is compete and try to give my team the best chance to win. But in regard to moving up and trying to get through the organization as fast as possible, it's out of my control and I'm just going to do whatever it takes to help us win."

Fulmer was accustomed to winning at Vanderbilt, going 24-3 with a 1.99 ERA in his three seasons at the Southeastern Conference power. The Commodores won the College World Series in 2014 and were second this year. This past season, Fulmer went 14-2 with a 1.83 ERA and was named National Pitcher of the Year by the College Baseball Hall of Fame.

"It's definitely gone by quick, going to Vandy and experiencing those things was great, developing relationships with some of my best friends," Fulmer said of his whirlwind year. "But coming here, I think it's definitely going to help me moving forward, the experience I've had to pitch in front of big stages and stuff like that. Moving forward, I think it's going to be nice.

"I'm glad to be here. I'm thankful to have this opportunity to be a part of the White Sox and I'm definitely looking forward to it."

After pitching 127⅔ innings this season, the Sox are going to give Fulmer some needed rest before sending him to the Arizona Rookie League. That's where Rodon debuted last season before making brief stops at Class A Winston-Salem and AAA Charlotte.

"We're going to give Carson a little more time off," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "He last pitched on June 22 and he is going to have a few more weeks to ease into the professional life. Probably, he will start off in Arizona and throw some innings down there and then we will start running him through the system."