In the world of Major League Baseball, trade deals serve as a catalyst for excitement and speculation among fans, especially if it’s a 5 in one deal. On Thursday night, the Atlanta Braves acquired left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer in a multi-team deal with the Chicago White Sox.

The Braves traded pitchers Mike Soroka, Jared Shuster, and Riley Gowens to the White Sox, as well as infielders Nicky Lopez and Brad Shewmake. 

The Trade Details

Let’s start by breaking down the specifics of this trade. The Atlanta Braves have been looking for pitching talent and have discovered Aaron Bummer, most recently in 2022, where his ERA was 2.36 and he struck out 30 hitters in only 26.2 innings of work. With this deal, the Braves acquired three free roster spots and $9 million in newly acquired capital, which was an appealing offer for the left-handed pitcher.

Trade Breakdown:

1. Atlanta Braves receive Aaron Bummer.
2. Chicago White Sox receive four promising prospects and a draft pick. Michael Soroka, Jared Shuster, Braden Shewmake, Nicky Lopez.

Aaron Bummer: A Valuable Asset

Aaron Bummer is not just any ordinary pitcher. He has an excellent chance to succeed in Atlanta, as he offers a unique skill set to the Braves, his performance on the field has been nothing short of remarkable, and especially because he will be facing hitters who have never seen him before. With a devastating slider and pinpoint control, Bummer has been a formidable presence in the bullpen.

From third paragraph of posted story: “Atlanta will pay him $5.5 million in 2024, the last guaranteed year of his contract, and have team options worth $7.25 million in 2025 and $7.5 million in 2026, with $1.25 million buyouts.”https://t.co/jg2kxRF2U6 https://t.co/W5hTUJymRs

— David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) November 17, 2023

What Makes Aaron Bummer Stand Out?

• Left-handed dominance: Bummer’s ability to retire both left and right-handed batters makes him a versatile asset in the bullpen.
• Consistency: His ability to consistently throw strikes and get batters out in crucial situations has made him a fan favorite in Chicago.
• Postseason experience: Bummer’s experience in high-pressure playoff games is an invaluable addition to the Braves as they pursue postseason success.

The White Sox’s Perspective

On the other side of this trade, the Chicago White Sox had to adjust a little too. Let’s take a look at what they gain from this trade and analyze their reasoning.

• In 2023, Michael Soroka, a pitcher who has faced numerous injuries, showed his ability to recover and be effective at the major league level. He pitched 32.1 innings before suffering another season-ending injury, resulting in a non-tenure contract. 
• Jared Shuster, a 24-year-old lefty, made 11 starts but had a 4-3 record with a 5.81 ERA. 
• Braden Shewmake, a 26-year-old with limited experience, was not chosen as the next shortstop due to Orlando Arcia’s surge. 
• Nicky Lopez, a valuable defensive and offensive asset, was given up in the deal. He is expected to earn around $4 million in 2024. The Atlanta A’s will likely look for a utility player similar to Lopez in case of injury but at a lower price tag.

FAQs

What does this trade mean for the Braves’ pitching staff?

The trade is a significant boost to the Braves’ bullpen, adding a reliable left-handed pitcher to their roster.

Are the Braves considered World Series contenders with this trade?

The trade certainly strengthens their roster, but whether they become contenders will depend on various factors, including player performance and competition.