The Chicago White Sox, under the direction of general manager Chris Getz, are making significant moves to address multiple gaps in their 2024 roster. Following a challenging 2023 season, the team initiated a trade with the Atlanta Braves, announcing late Thursday night that veteran left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer would be heading to Atlanta.
In exchange for Bummer, who posted a 6.79 ERA in 61 games during the 2023 season, the White Sox secured a package including right-hander Michael Soroka, left-hander Jared Shuster, infielders Nicky Lopez and Braden Shewmake, and Minor League righty Riley Gowens.
Bummer, a 30-year-old southpaw, brings both on-field prowess and a positive clubhouse presence. Despite his struggles in 2023, his previous strong showing with the White Sox positions him as a valuable addition to the National League East champions.
The White Sox’s haul includes right-hander Mike Soroka, infielder Nicky Lopez, left-hander Jared Shuster, shortstop Braden Shewmake, and right-hander Riley Gowens. Bummer remains under contractual control through 2024, with club options for 2025 and 2026.
Lopez, a 29-year-old infielder who played for the Royals from 2019-23, is expected to bolster the team’s defense, offering versatility around the infield. With Tim Anderson and top prospect Colson Montgomery in the mix, Lopez serves as a crucial piece in the shortstop transition.
As part of Getz’s offseason strategy to enhance the team’s defensive solidity, Lopez stands out with 31 outs above average since the start of 2020, ranking among the top 10 defenders in baseball per FanGraphs.
Soroka, 26, and Shuster, 25, are set to join Dylan Cease and Michael Kopech in the White Sox rotation. Soroka, despite overcoming a significant Achilles injury, brings a 17-8 record and a 3.32 ERA in 44 games (43 starts) over four seasons with the Braves. Shuster, who split the 2023 season between Atlanta and Triple-A Gwinnett, demonstrated promise with a 4-3 record and a 5.81 ERA in 11 starts.
Shewmake, a 26-year-old infielder, spent most of the 2023 season with Gwinnett, contributing a .234 batting average with 28 doubles, 16 home runs, 69 RBIs, and 79 runs scored.
This trade marks a significant step for the White Sox in their efforts to reshape and strengthen the team for the upcoming season.