Chicago White Sox Send Elite Reliever to Atlanta Braves in Mega Offseason Deal
As they look to rebuild their roster depth and talent level, the Chicago White Sox traded reliever Aaron Bummer to the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night for a deal involving six players.
Per Jeff Passan of ESPN:
Trade news: Braves receive: left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer, under club control through 2026. White Sox receive: right-handed starter Mike Soroka, left-handed starter Jared Shuster, shortstop Braden Shewmake, infielder Nicky Lopez and right-handed starter Riley Gowens.
It's the first big trade move in the tenure of new White Sox GM Chris Getz, who was hired recently.
First off, this seems like a worthwhile move for the White Sox. After finishing with the third-worst record in baseball in 2023, they simply need talent and upside. With Soroka, they are getting a former top prospect and with Shuster, they are getting a guy who has already made his major league debut on the mound.
For Atlanta, with their World Series window open, they get a power arm out of the bullpen and clear several spots off the 40-man roster heading into free agency.
Per Buster Olney of ESPN:
A lot of teams have tried to pry Aaron Bummer away from the White Sox, believing he could be a high-impact reliever against great hitters. The Braves will now find out first-hand if that’s possible.
Bummer went 5-5 overall in 2023 with a 6.79 ERA. The 30-year-old is a lifetime 14-15 with a 3.84 ERA. He's struck out 309 career hitters in 272 innings.
-Still just 26 years old, Soroka has battled numerous injuries in his career. He should get a regular rotation spot if healthy in Chicago. He's 17-8 in his career with a 3.32 ERA.
-Shuster, a lefty, went 4-3 this past year with a 5.81 ERA. He made his debut in 2023.
-Shewmake, 25, also debuted briefly in 2023, going 0-4.
-Lopez, 28, could be an option for the White Sox at shortstop in the wake of Tim Anderson's departure. He's played with the Braves and Royals and owns a lifetime .249 average with 42 stolen bases.
-Gowens is 24 years old and went 1-0 with a 1.15 ERA in his first minor league season last year.
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