The Kansas City Royals have made a strategic move by signing left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer to a minor league deal, and this decision is more than just a simple roster adjustment. In my opinion, this move is a calculated risk, especially given the team's current pitching predicament. With several starters on the injured list, the Royals are in a position where they need to bolster their bullpen, and Bummer could be the answer to their prayers. However, there are some intriguing factors at play here that are worth exploring.
Bummer, a 32-year-old lefty, has a solid career behind him, but his recent performance has been less than stellar. From 2019 to 2025, he maintained an impressive 3.70 ERA across 328 innings, striking out batters at a 26.8% rate and keeping walks to a manageable 9.9%. However, what makes this situation particularly fascinating is the downward trend in his performance. Last year, his ground ball rate dropped to 53.9%, a career-low, and his strikeout rate followed suit, falling to 21.7%. This decline in velocity, from an average of 94.7 mph with his four-seamer in 2023 to 91.7 mph in 2024, is a significant concern.
The 2026 season has been even more challenging for Bummer. His ERA skyrocketed to 7.63 in 19 appearances with the Atlanta Braves, and his ground ball rate, while still above average, dropped further to 46.2%. The strikeout rate plummeted to 16.9%, and his four-seamer velocity averaged a mere 90.5 mph. This decline in performance led to his release by Atlanta in mid-May, and he subsequently signed a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs, who initially sent him to their Arizona Complex. Despite a slight increase in velocity to 91.4 mph in four appearances with Triple-A Iowa, Bummer's strikeout rate remained low, punching out only 3 of the 19 batters he faced.
What makes this move even more intriguing is the Royals' current situation. With starters Cole Ragans, Kris Bubic, and Stephen Kolek on the injured list, the team is in dire need of pitching depth. The Royals' bullpen has a collective 5.42 ERA, which is worse than every MLB club except for the Athletics, and they are in a clear seller position. This means they might flip a few arms to other clubs, creating an opportunity for Bummer to get back to the big leagues if he can turn things around with the Omaha Storm Chasers.
However, there are some risks involved. Bummer is making $9.5MM this year, and Atlanta is on the hook for that after releasing him. If the Royals decide to call him up, they would only have to pay him the prorated league minimum for any time spent on the roster, with that amount subtracted from what Atlanta pays. This means that if Bummer performs well in Omaha, the Royals could potentially save money while also strengthening their bullpen.
In my opinion, this move is a strategic one, and it highlights the Royals' willingness to take calculated risks. With their pitching staff in disarray, they are betting on Bummer's potential to turn things around and provide much-needed relief. While there are risks involved, the potential rewards could be significant, especially if Bummer can rediscover his former form. This move is a fascinating development in the Royals' season, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds in the coming weeks.
