The Kansas City Royals have made a strategic move by signing left-handed pitcher Aaron Bummer to a minor league deal. This decision comes as a response to the team's recent pitching woes, with multiple starters on the injured list and a struggling bullpen. With a strong track record but recent declining performance, Bummer presents an intriguing opportunity for the Royals.
Bummer's decline in performance is evident in his statistics. From 2019 to 2025, he maintained a respectable 3.70 ERA across 328 innings, with impressive strikeout and ground ball rates. However, the past year has seen a downward trend. His ERA rose to 3.81, ground ball rate dropped to 53.9%, and strikeout rate fell to 21.7%, coinciding with a loss of velocity on his four-seamer. This year, the situation has worsened, with a 7.63 ERA in 19 appearances for Atlanta, a significant drop in velocity to 90.5 mph, and a plummeting strikeout rate to 16.9%.
Despite these concerns, the Royals are taking a calculated risk. With Bummer's contract being paid by Atlanta after his release, the Royals only need to pay him the prorated league minimum if he's called up. This arrangement provides a low-risk opportunity to assess his potential contribution to the team's struggling bullpen.
The Royals' bullpen has been a source of concern, with a collective 5.42 ERA, the worst in the MLB aside from the Athletics. The team's position as sellers further complicates matters, as they may look to trade some arms. Bummer's performance in the minors will be crucial in determining his future with the team.
In my opinion, this move showcases the Royals' willingness to take calculated risks and assess potential contributors. While Bummer's recent performance has been concerning, his strong track record and the team's need for pitching make this a strategic move. The outcome will depend on his ability to regain form and contribute to the team's success, especially with the current pitching staff's injuries and the team's position as sellers.
