The Braves reached agreements with left-hander Aaron Bummer and All-Star righty Reynaldo López, solidifying what looks to be an intimidating bullpen setup. These moves are the latest sign that Atlanta is putting its chips on the table for Braves fans. The team is all in on pitching strength as they look ahead.
Let’s break it down. First up is Aaron Bummer. The Braves picked up the southpaw in a trade with the White Sox just last year, sending a handful of players Chicago’s way to bring Bummer into the fold. Bummer’s new deal is a two-year contract valued at $13 million, including salaries of $3.5 million for the upcoming season and $9.5 million in 2026.
This is a simplified structure compared to the option-laden contract he signed with the White Sox. It had previously included a $7.25 million team option. For Atlanta, it’s a smart investment in a lefty who has proven he can be a consistent bullpen presence. In 2023, Bummer went 4-3 with a 3.58 ERA, striking out 69 batters in 56 appearances, and he brings career numbers of a 3.79 ERA over eight MLB seasons to the table.
Now, let’s turn to Reynaldo López. Atlanta reworked López’s previous three-year, $30 million contract, which guaranteed him an additional $4 million. Under the new terms, López will earn $8 million in 2025, $14 million in 2026, and $8 million in 2027. This is a logical boost for a pitcher coming off a year with an eye-catching 1.99 ERA.
López has bounced around with multiple teams before settling in with the Braves. But he will be crucial to bolstering the middle of the rotation or stepping in as a reliable relief option. He’s shown that he’s effective in both roles, tallying 148 strikeouts in 135⅔ innings last season and keeping a low ERA while posting an 8-5 record.
It’s also worth noting that both Bummer and López have agreed to donate 1% of their salaries to the Atlanta Braves Foundation. The team and players like adding a community-focused element to their deals. This kind of charitable commitment is the icing on the cake for the Braves organization and fans alike. These players really are investing in the team and the Atlanta area.
The Braves have also selected the contract of right-hander Domingo Gonzalez from Triple-A Gwinnett, further adding to their bullpen depth. Gonzalez will join a rotation now bolstered by Bummer and López.
He offers additional options as the Braves look to build a formidable pitching squad. Atlanta is signaling it’s ready to make another serious push in the postseason with Bummer and López officially secured.
