The Atlanta Braves have made a significant move to reinforce their bullpen, acquiring pitcher Michael Bummer from the Chicago White Sox. Despite Bummer's high ERA in 2023, there are promising indicators that he could bounce back and become a valuable asset for the Braves.

Bummer, originally selected in the 19th round of the 2014 draft, has been a consistent presence in the bullpen since the 2018 season. His track record shows strong FIP numbers and solid strikeout and ground ball rates, making him an intriguing addition to the Braves' pitching staff.

In 2023, Bummer's 6.79 ERA stood out as a cause for concern. However, a closer look at the numbers reveals a significant gap between his ERA and his FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) of 3.58, which was the largest differential among pitchers with at least 50 innings pitched. This suggests that Bummer experienced a fair amount of bad luck and could be due for positive regression.

Bummer's arsenal primarily revolves around a sinker that reaches speeds of 94-95 mph and a sweeping slider in the low-80s. He showcased his skills in 2023, finishing in the 87th percentile for whiff and strikeout rate, the 97th percentile in ground ball rate, and the 99th percentile in barrel percentage. These impressive metrics, combined with his previous successful seasons, make Bummer a promising bet to improve on his 2023 ERA in the upcoming 2024 season.

The trade also involved the exchange of promising young pitcher Mike Soroka from the Braves to the White Sox. Soroka, a former first-round pick, demonstrated immense potential in his breakout 2019 season, earning All-Star honors and finishing sixth in the Cy Young voting. However, injuries have plagued him since then, including back-to-back right Achilles tendon tears and a recent bout of forearm inflammation.

Despite these setbacks, Soroka showed promise with Triple-A Gwinnett in 2023, where he maintained a 3.41 ERA over 17 starts and showcased decent strikeout and walk rates. The White Sox are hoping that Soroka can regain his previous form and provide stability to their rotation. Soroka's contract expires after the 2024 season, adding a sense of urgency for him to prove himself once again.

In addition to Bummer and Soroka, the trade included versatile infielder Nick Lopez heading to the White Sox. Lopez, known for his strong defensive skills and running ability, will be a dependable option at shortstop for Chicago until their top prospect, Colson Montgomery, is ready to take over. Lopez's offensive contributions have been inconsistent, but a change of scenery might offer him the opportunity to rediscover his potential.

The deal also involved the Braves sending left-handed pitcher Kyle Shuster and infield prospect Braden Shewmake to the White Sox. Shuster, despite showing flashes of potential, struggled with a high ERA in both the majors and Triple-A Gwinnett in 2023. Shewmake, a former first-round pick, had a challenging year in the minors and will now have a chance to reignite his career with the White Sox.

In return, the Braves received promising young player Jaime Gowens, a ninth-round senior sign in the 2023 draft. Gowens displayed solid performance in his pro debut, showcasing a mid-90s fastball and potential as a bullpen arm moving forward.

The trade between the Braves and the White Sox presents opportunities for both teams to tap into the untapped potential of their acquired players. The Braves hope that Bummer will bounce back from his subpar 2023 season, while the White Sox aim to revitalize Soroka's career and capitalize on the defensive prowess of Lopez. Only time will tell how this trade will ultimately shape the future of these players and their respective teams.