KNIGHTS KNOTES — February 23, 2020
On Saturday, February 22, the Chicago White Sox announced that they agreed to a five-year contract with left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer. The five-year deal, worth $16 million, was one of two noteworthy deals on Saturday (the White Sox also agreed to a $3.5 million deal with infielder Leury García).
For Bummer, he will now receive $1 million in 2020, $2 million in 2021, $2.5 million in 2022, $3.75 million in 2023 and $5.5 million in 2024. Chicago also holds options for $7.25 million in 2025 and $7.5 million in 2026, with $1.25 million buyouts for either season.
Last season, Bummer was one of the most effective relievers in the American League. He went 0–0 with a 2.13 ERA, one save, 27 holds, 60 strikeouts over 58 games pitched with the Sox. His 27 holds were the third-highest single-season total in White Sox history — behind Barry Jones (30 in 1990) and Nate Jones (28 in 2016).
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In 39 games with the Knights over parts of the past three seasons (2017–19), Bummer posted a 2–3 record with a 2.49 ERA over 43.1 innings pitched.
CEASE THE DAY
RHP Dylan Cease is expected to get the start today (February 23) in what will be the first game of the Cactus League season for the Chicago White Sox as they face the Cincinnati Reds. Chicago’s scheduled Spring Training opener was rained out on Saturday.
Cease began 2019 with the Knights and went 5–2 with a 4.48 ERA in 15 starts (68.1 IP) before a promotion to Chicago.
With the White Sox, Cease finished his first season at the big league level with a 4–7 mark and a 5.79 ERA in 14 games (all starts) over 73.0 IP.
The 24-year-old was originally selected in the 6th round of the 2014 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Chicago Cubs.
