Braves Sign Bummer, Revise Lopez's Deal

The Atlanta Braves have secured left-hander Aaron Bummer on a two-year, $13 million contract and revised a three-year, $30 million deal with All-Star right-hander Reynaldo Lopez, guaranteeing him an additional $4 million. Bummer's new contract cancels two club options and provides salaries of $3.5 million in 2025 and $9.5 million in 2026, reflecting a strategic backloading to offer payroll flexibility. Both players have committed to donating 1% of their salaries to the Atlanta Braves Foundation. Bummer was acquired from the Chicago White Sox last November and posted a 3.58 ERA over 55⅓ innings in his debut season with the Braves. Despite not being used in high-leverage situations, Bummer's performance metrics, including a 2.23 FIP and top 9% MLB average exit velocity, indicate potential value for the Braves' bullpen. Lopez, with a 1.99 ERA last season, strengthens the Braves' pitching lineup, complemented by the selection of right-hander Domingo Gonzalez from Triple-A Gwinnett.