With good fortune, the most exciting prospect the Sox have on any mound will make his move up to the big leagues next season. Michael Kopech, acquired in offseason trade with Boston Red Sox for Sale, has been sensational down in the minor leagues this season. He was ranked in the top six of WHIP, ERA and strikeouts in the Southern League. He was named the Southern League’s Most Outstanding Pitcher and even made the move up the Charlotte Knights before season’s end.
This season, he had more than eight strikeouts in 12 of his 25 starts. In his three starts for the Knights, he went 1-1 in 15 innings pitched to go along with five earned runs, 17 strikeouts,five walks, a 1.33 WHIP and a 3.00 ERA. He dominated the minors and already looks ready to give it a go at the Major League level. Realistically, Kopech could start next year at Triple-A but make his move up to Chicago as early as late April to mid-May. The latest could be sometime in July but Sox fans should be on pins and needles until then because he’s going to be great.