Chicago White Sox: Season preview of starting pitchers

Michael Kopech

Michael Kopech underwent Tommy John surgery at the end of the 2018 season. It was a difficult time for many sox fans, the organization, and Kopech himself. Here we are, two years later anxiously waiting for Kopech’s second debut. It is unclear whether or not he will make the team out of spring training due to concerns of rushing him and the fact that he is the sixth man in the rotation.

It may be a good idea to let Kopech start his 2020 pitching a few games at Triple-A Charlotte. It may be an unpopular opinion, but is it really wise to throw a 23-year-old at the back of a six-man rotation a year after he underwent Tommy John? Yes, he does have MLB experience, but 14 innings is not much to talk about.

Yes in those 14.1 innings he struck out 15 and walked only two, but he hit five batters, gave up 20 hits and eight earned runs. Whether or not he starts the year on the White Sox or the Charlotte Knights, there is no question all eyes will be on Kopech. How he handles that pressure at such a young age could define the type of player he is.

But just like the other young pitchers on this staff, the additions of Keuchel and González alleviates some of that pressure. It is unconventional, but not uncommon for a team to consider starting a season with a six-man rotation. The talent, depth, and youth the White Sox have in their rotation and farm system is something to pay close attention to. This preview features starters expected to be on the team Opening Day, but there are many potential players looking to earn a spot that was not mentioned.

Rodon was mentioned, but not analyzed as he is not expected to be on the 26 man roster March 26, 2020. Dane Dunning, Johnathan Stiever, and Alec Hansen are just a few names making their way through the farm system who have the potential to make the rotation in the next two to four years. The future is bright for the White Sox starting rotation.