The Chicago Cubs couldn't help but pay attention earlier this week when the Atlanta Braves opted to part ways with struggling reliever Aaron Bummer. It is fair to wonder if the Cubs might consider taking on a reclamation project with a clear need for depth at the back of the bullpen. Bummer's season has been forgettable with the southpaw offering an ERA north of seven and not being anything close to the player he was a season ago. This sets the stage for Bummer's Atlanta exit and the clear opportunity that lies ahead of the Cubs.
Bummer was productive as recently as the 2025 season, appearing in 42 games, offering a 3.81 ERA, and picking up a trio of wins. While the lefty wasn't the most dominating force in the bullpen, there was consistent production and a clear matchup advantage that Atlanta could lean on in the right spots. This is the role that Chicago would hope to hand Bummer if the veteran was able to turn the corner.
It wasn't the 2025 season alone where Bummer offered a consistent level of production, with the 2022 season with the Chicago White Sox offering great production with a 2.36 ERA and a pair of saves, as the White Sox would often lean on the veteran in high-leverage situations. While this shouldn't be the expectation for the Cubs, it isn't completely out of the question either.
Why the Cubs should consider taking a chance on Aaron Bummer
Teams can never have too many options out of the bullpen, and there simply isn't a reason for the Cubs not to roll the dice on the left-hander. It makes sense to bring in the reliever on a high incentive low risk deal and see if Chicago's coaching staff can find a way to put things back on the right track for the left-hander.
It could be as simple as Bummer needing a change of scenery and escaping the pressure cooker that is the Atlanta bullpen. As the Cubs had a front-row seat to a week ago, the Braves have an elite array of pitching that has left an incredibly high level of competition when it comes to holding onto spots or claiming high-leverage roles.
Bummer didn't thrive in this environment and could simply need a new landing spot to be able to turn back the clock to the productive option he has been previously throughout his career. To put it simply, the Cubs have nothing to lose and could gain a potentially valuable arm in what continues to be an incredibly tight National League Central race.
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