Chicago announced Wednesday that veteran left‑hander Aaron Bummer has signed a minor‑league contract, giving the Cubs a fresh option amid a 10‑game losing streak. The move, reported by MLB.com, adds a right‑handed depth slot to a staff that already lists four relievers on the injured list.
MLB Minor League News followers will note Bummer was released by Atlanta on May 19 after posting a 7.63 ERA over 15.1 innings in 19 appearances. The 32‑year‑old’s career line—3.94 ERA, 442 strikeouts in 397 innings—suggests he still carries swing‑and‑miss stuff, especially against left‑handed hitters.
Aaron Bummer’s Recent Numbers Tell a Bigger Story
Aaron Bummer’s 2025 stint with the Braves was statistically volatile: a 7.63 ERA paired with a 8.6 K/9 rate and a FIP above 5.00. The numbers reveal that while his run prevention suffered, his strikeout ability remained solid, hinting that underlying talent is still present. In 2022, he posted a 2.70 ERA over 58 innings with a 1.10 WHIP, the best season of his career.
Chicago Cubs’ Bullpen Strategy Takes Shape
Chicago’s bullpen currently carries a 5.12 ERA, ranking near the bottom of the National League, and has struggled to string together three‑inning outings. The Cubs entered a 10‑game skid before Bummer’s signing and have been forced to lean on younger arms. Adding a seasoned lefty gives manager David Ross a proven matchup tool and a mentor for emerging relievers battling injuries.
The numbers reveal that the Cubs rank 13th of 15 NL teams in inherited runners scored, underscoring the need for reliable late‑inning work. Bummer’s veteran presence could help tighten those gaps.
Aaron Bummer’s Path to Triple‑A Iowa
Aaron Bummer will likely start the season at Triple‑A Iowa, where the Cubs have a track record of reviving former major‑leaguers, such as reliever Ryan Tepera in 2024. The organization will monitor his velocity and command closely before any major‑league call‑up.
Key Developments
- Bummer posted a 1.10 WHIP in 2022, his most efficient season since debut.
- The Cubs bullpen ranks 13th out of 15 NL teams in inherited runners scored.
- During his 2019 breakout year, Bummer struck out 71 batters in 67.2 innings, the highest K/9 of his career.
- Chicago’s Triple‑A affiliate Iowa has helped reliever Ryan Tepera return to the majors in 2024.
- At signing, the Cubs had four relievers on the injured list and were on a 10‑game skid.
What’s Next for the Cubs and Bummer?
Chicago will likely assign Bummer to Triple‑A Iowa to assess his recent velocity and command before a possible call‑up. If he can rebound to his 2019 form, he could become a key piece in late‑inning situations, helping the Cubs halt their slide and stabilize a bullpen that has struggled with durability this season.
When did Aaron Bummer last appear in a major‑league game?
Bummer’s most recent MLB appearance was on May 14, 2026, when he pitched for the Braves against the Mets, allowing three runs in 1.2 innings.
What is the financial structure of a minor‑league deal for a veteran reliever?
Such contracts typically include a modest split‑salary that pays a lower rate in the minors and a higher rate if the player is added to the major‑league roster; exact figures for Bummer were not disclosed.
How many left‑handed relievers are currently on the Cubs’ major‑league roster?
Before Bummer’s signing, the Cubs carried three left‑handed relievers on the active roster, highlighting the need for additional left‑hand depth.