The Braves acquired reliever Aaron Bummer as a reclamation project early in the 2024 offseason. The veteran had an incredible start in Chicago but was coming off an abysmal season. The White Sox were ready to give the lefty a fresh start, and Atlanta was more than willing to add a relief option with Bummer's proven potential. After an uneven start, Bummer settled into a reliable role and was a surprisingly important piece of Atlanta's 2024 bullpen.
This stability has disappeared to begin this season, with only former Atlanta reliever Hector Nerix allowing more runs out of the Atlanta bullpen. All of the bad habits that derailed Bummer in Chicago have reappeared to begin the 2025 season. A piece manager Brian Snitker needed to rely on has quickly fallen to the back of Atlanta's bullpen.
Braves Can't Afford Patience With Lefty Aaron Bummer
This isn't to suggest Bummer won't be allowed a chance to play his way back into the bullpen's reliable options. Based on a complete lack of proven options, the team is going to continue to give Bummer chances. However, there is the clear issue of the team being in no position to give away wins. If Atlanta is going to climb out of this early hole, they must find someone they can rely on from the bullpen.
Craig Kimbrel could still factor into this as the veteran continues to work toward a return. This means at least one current option will be demoted. While it is unlikely to be Bummer, the reliever has only one year remaining on his deal and the Braves could move on if his production doesn't improve in the next couple of weeks.
Bummer is under contract for the 2026 season due $9.5 million in the final year of his deal. If Bummer doesn't turn things around, it could easily be in the discussion for Atlanta's worst deal heading into next season — an admittedly small list, thanks to an extremely savvy Braves front office.
Regardless, it is clear Bummer is under pressure to turn things around with increased expectations. If not, Atlanta will have no choice but to move on as the team attempts to make a desperate push to save their 2025 season.