Chicago White Sox: Three players to watch during spring training

Player #3: Michael Kopech

Michael Kopech, at one point, was thought of as the Sox best pitching prospect. It’s still possible that some may still think that way but catching up to Lucas Giolito at this point will be tough. Kopech is still very young at 24 years old and has loads of potential that can still be unlocked. He just needs to start racking up some experience.

Michael Kopech hasn’t pitched in a baseball game since September 5th, 2018, which was a very long time ago. He showed some flashes in his few starts but also had some struggles before going down with an injury. That injury needed the infamous Tommy John surgery which kept him out of the entire 2019 season as well.

Fast forward a bit to the 2020 season and he decided to opt-out of playing due to personal reasons. It seemed like Kopech has been through a lot since that brief 2018 season and he will be eased into things to start 2021. It was announced earlier that he will be pitching out of the bullpen to at least start the year.

There is no issue with this move at all. This could also be a permanent spot for Kopech. The Sox will be giving him chances to start this year but the team also has a plethora of starters ready to go this year. There is also Garrett Crochet who finds himself in a similar spot to Kopech.

It’s going to feel good to watch Kopech and the rest of the team develop as the season progresses. For the first time in a very long time, the team has some high expectations and this season should be a treat to watch.