Braves and White Sox Complete First Significant Trade of MLB’s Offseason
By Associated Press
Published: 12:30 EST, 17 November 2023
Updated: 12:31 EST, 17 November 2023
The Atlanta Braves and the Chicago White Sox made a major trade on Thursday night, with the Braves acquiring left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer in exchange for five players. This trade marks the first significant move of the MLB’s offseason as both teams look to reshape their rosters.
Bummer, who had played his entire professional career with the White Sox, joined the Braves to bolster their bullpen after their exit from last year’s National League Division Series. The 30-year-old pitcher had a challenging season, finishing with a 6.79 earned run average (ERA) in 61 appearances. However, Atlanta is hopeful that a change of scenery will help Bummer regain his previous form, as he had a 2.36 ERA in 2022 and a 3.51 ERA in 2021.
In return for Bummer, the Braves sent pitchers Mike Soroka, Jared Shuster, and Riley Gowens, along with infielders Nicky Lopez and Braden Shewmake, to the White Sox. This trade not only provides the White Sox with a group of talented players but also creates some room on Atlanta’s 40-man roster early in the offseason.
Soroka, a former NL All-Star in 2019, has faced numerous injuries throughout his career, limiting his playing time. The 26-year-old right-hander appeared in just three games over the previous three seasons. Shuster, a 25-year-old pitcher, made his big league debut earlier this year and showed promise with a 5.81 ERA in 11 starts. Lopez, a 29-year-old infielder from Naperville, Illinois, was traded from the Kansas City Royals to the Braves in July. He had a batting average of .231 with one home run and 25 RBIs in 94 games this year.
While the Braves had an impressive season, leading the majors with 104 wins, the White Sox struggled and finished fourth in the AL Central with a 61-101 record. This trade signifies the White Sox’s commitment to rebuilding their team and making significant changes for the upcoming season.
The Braves and White Sox have set the tone for the MLB’s offseason with this trade, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how these players contribute to their new teams. As the offseason progresses, more trades and signings are expected as teams aim to strengthen their rosters and compete for the ultimate prize in the upcoming season.