Chicago White Sox: Building Michael Kopech into a starter this year
The Chicago White Sox have a lot of great pitchers. Of course, 2021 is going to be headlined by the three-headed monster that is Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn, and Dallas Keuchel. They are certainly going to lead an incredible staff. One of the players that they are hoping can be one of the guys that help them is Michael Kopech. It has been a while since he pitched in a game but they believe he still has the same ceiling as before.
The Chicago White Sox believe that Michael Kopech can be a starter in 2021.
There is a report out there from Jon Morosi of MLB Network that the White Sox plan to give him an opportunity to become a starter in Spring Training. Of course, we knew he was going to be a starter but the question remains if he will be at the MLB level to start the season.
He later added to the statement that we shouldn’t assume that he will start the season on the MLB roster as the White Sox might want to ease him in. He also notes that people close to the situation believe that Kopech is going to be an impact starter for the White Sox this season. Based on what we have seen in the past, it would make sense.
Michael Kopech is one of the best pitching prospects in the world. Some have passed him on the prospect rankings because of his absences due to his surgery (and COVID-19 opt-out) but there is no doubt that his stuff is A-prospect quality. He can throw the ball 100 miles per hour and make it move. If he can harness that skill at the MLB level, he will be an ace.
The #WhiteSox plan for RHP Michael Kopech to be built up as a starter this spring. He's expected to open 2021 in the @MLB rotation. Kopech, 24, will face an innings limit this year, as he hasn't appeared in a regular season game since 2018. @MLBNetwork @670TheScore
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 14, 2021
Correction: I was told not to assume that Kopech *begins* 2021 in the #MLB rotation, as the Sox won't rush him, but the team has been pleased with his progress through the offseason. Those familiar with his work in recent months believe he can be an impact starter this year. https://t.co/kmTZ6lIRbz
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 14, 2021
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If the White Sox get the Kopech that they are trying to build during Spring Training somewhat early in the season, this could be a team that wins 100 baseball games. They have a great staff and great bullpen surrounding him as far as pitching and we know that the lineup is going to score a lot of runs. Kopech has all of the talents in the world so this will be fun to watch unfold. Hopefully, Morosi’s report comes true because that would be good for the Chicago White Sox.