Photo: Ken Blaze/USA TODAY Sports

Michael Kopech Could Fit Cubs' Need for Bullpen Help

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Bobby Foster | Last updated 5/9/24

Michael Kopech has always been an enigma of a player for the Chicago White Sox. Acquired in the Chris Sale trade, he was viewed as a key arm to help elevate the team to contention.

But things haven't gone as planned on the South Side. Since debuting in 2018, Kopech has endured a start-and-stop career due to injuries and spells of ineffectiveness. The righty hasn't provided the value the White Sox envisioned when they shipped their former ace out of town.

After a rough showing in the starting rotation last season, Kopech began the 2024 campaign in the bullpen, a move that could very well help turn his career around. The White Sox are nowhere near contention, and Kopech may be one of several players traded this season.

Enter the Chicago Cubs and their quest to shore up a faltering relief corps. Kopech shouldn't be viewed as a savior, but his plus-fastball and 12.3 K/9 would play well in the North Siders' bullpen.

Perhaps a trade centered around Adbert Alzolay for Kopech could do both teams some good. With both pitchers on similar career trajectories, a change of scenery might be the missing link in unlocking their talents.

Michael Kopech of the @whitesox brings the heat with our fastest Pitch of the Day. Coming in with an average velocity of 100 MPH and over 18" of induced vertical break how do you actually hit this pitch? pic.twitter.com/NTHWqGGOkA
— Baseball Prospectus (@baseballpro) April 30, 2024

Kopech has shown flashes of the potential the White Sox once traded for. On the other hand, it seems clear that he's reached his ceiling regarding what he can provide them.

The White Sox shouldn't be desperate in trying to trade Kopech, but his contract status and the club's outlook make him a candidate to be on the move this summer. If Jed Hoyer shows interest, it would behoove Chris Getz to explore what the Sox can gain from a talented Cubs' farm system.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: