Recently released Chicago Cubs left-handed pitcher Aaron Bummer has quietly signed a minor-league deal with the Kansas City Royals, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
Via Heyman on X: “Aaron Bummer agrees to minor league deal with Royals. Reported to Omaha today.”
Recently Released Chicago Cubs Pitcher Aaron Bummer Quietly Signs With Kansas City Royals
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 26: Aaron Bummer #49 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the eighth inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park on April 26, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images)
The Cubs signed Bummer to a minor-league deal on June 1. He exercised his opt-out clause earlier this month, which led to the Cubs releasing the left-hander.
Bummer began the year with the Atlanta Braves, recording a 7.63 ERA with a 1.83 WHIP in 15 1/3 innings before being released on May 19, allowing Chicago to sign him.
After he signed with the Cubs, Bummer didn’t pitch until June 20. He had two outings with the Arizona Complex League Cubs, hurling two scoreless innings, before being assigned to the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A) on June 30.
Bummer made just four appearances with Iowa, surrendering four earned runs on six hits and no walks with three strikeouts over four innings.
More About New Kansas City Royals Reliever Aaron Bummer
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 12: Aaron Bummer #39 of the Chicago White Sox delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field on September 12, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Bummer has 10 seasons of big-league experience. He began his MLB career with the Chicago White Sox in 2017. He played with Chicago for seven seasons, posting a 3.84 ERA in 272 innings.
The Braves acquired Bummer from the White Sox for right-hander Michael Soroka, left-hander Jared Shuster, shortstop Nicky Lopez, shortstop Braden Shewmake and right-hander Riley Gowens during the 2023-24 offseason. the White Sox had signed him to a five-year extension in Feb., 2020.
Following the 2024 season, Bummer signed a two-year, $14 million extension with Atlanta. The left-hander will have earned just over $28 million in his MLB career following this season.
Bummer pitched for Atlanta from 2024 until being released in May. During his time with the Braves, Bummer posted a 4.18 ERA over 125 innings.
The Kansas City Royals Are a Good Fit For Reliever Aaron Bummer
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – MAY 31: Manager Matt Quatraro #33 of the Kansas City Royals looks on during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on May 31, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
The Royals are a good fit for Bummer.
The left-hander clearly wants to return to the majors. It seems he has a strong chance to do so with Kansas City, as the team arguably has the worst bullpen in baseball.
The Royals’ relievers rank 29th in ERA (5.42), 29th in strikeout rate (19%), 28th in walk rate (11.5%), and 30th in opponent batting average (.269).
The Royals are clearly going to sell at the deadline, as the club is 11 games back of the Boston Red Sox for the third AL Wild Card spot. After the trade deadline, if not sooner, there should be plenty of room on the Royals’ 26-man roster for Bummer.
Recently Released Chicago Cubs Pitcher Quietly Signs With Kansas City Royals