The White Sox have made a worthy investment to one of their core bullpen arms as they have signed southpaw Aaron Bummer to a five year, $16 million contract extension. Also in this deal are two club options through 2026 for $7.25 million and $7.50 million respectively. He could make $9 million in his last option year if he finishes second or third in the AL Reliever of the Year award voting and $10 million if he wins it.
Bummer was one of the best relievers in baseball last year with a 2.13 ERA, 216 ERA+, and had a 72.1 ground ball rate. His sinker is one of the best in baseball and his most effective pitch. He will be counted on to replicate that success for a bullpen that might be the weakest part of the Sox.
Signing a reliever to an extension is a risky gamble simply because of how frequent relievers go from effective to ineffective, but this was a very team friendly contract and the cost is very low. Bummer has proven that he can be a reliable reliever, but even if he doesn't perform as well as he did in 2019, then it does not hurt the team financially. However, considering that the White Sox were willing to make this commitment suggests that they think Bummer will be a core piece for a championship run.
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