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Chicago White Sox: Michael Kopech Can Become an Ace

By Josh Marshall

Nov 5, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; West pitcher Michael Kopech of the Boston Red Sox during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; West pitcher Michael Kopech of the Boston Red Sox during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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With all eyes on Yoan Moncada, can Michael Kopech become the next face of the Chicago White Sox franchise, and an ace at that?

As the Chicago White Sox’ rebuild begins, most fans are excited about Yoan Moncada. What the average fan may not realize is the plethora of pitching the Chicago White Sox acquired in the Chris Sale trade to Boston.

Michael Kopech is a 20-year-old right-handed pitcher who came over to Chicago from Boston in the Sale deal. Kopech has yet to even touch a major league field. He will most likely start the season out in  A ball with the Winston Salem Dash with the potential of being in Double A with the Birmingham Barons.

But that doesn’t stop Sox fans from being hugely optimistic when it comes to this power throwing righty. According to MLB.com, Kopech is Ranked third in the White Sox’ farm system and 16th in all of baseball. There is reason to get excited here.

That being said, Kopech will need some time in the minors before seeing major league hitters. That is perfectly fine for a team focused on a rebuild like the Chicago White Sox.

Related Story: White Sox All In on Rebuild

With the Salem Red Sox Kopech posted a 4-1 record in 11 starts and recorded a staggering 82 strikeouts in only 52 innings pitched.

Kopech has been getting a lot of attention for his fastball. He has been consistently clocked around 95-98mph. Kopech recently hit 110mph throwing off a flat surface in front of White Sox scouts.

During a game in Salem he was clocked throwing 98 consistently and hitting 100mph on more than one occasion.

This past weekend in Chicago the White Sox had their annual SoxFest. Kopech along with Moncada were introduced to loud applause by fans in attendance. Kopech later spoke about the dedication of Sox’ fans in an interview with CSN reporter Dan Hayes.

“These guys are coming up to me and telling me and Giolito when we were walking around together ‘You guys are the future,’ ” Kopech said. “It’s like, I haven’t pitched an inning in Double-A yet. That’s incredible to have fans that are that dedicated all the way through the system.”

“To be expected to be a part of this is extremely motivating.”

Kopech later sent out this tweet after leaving Sox Fest:

Things are looking up for the Chicago White Sox. As a lifelong fan I personally am very excited to watch Kopech grow in the farm system. This is a rebuild to get excited about, but it is not going to happen overnight, so be patient.

Next: White Sox Trades that Must Happen

Moncada gets most of the headlines from the Sale trade, but keep an eye on Kopech. This guy is for real. He is not big league ready, but the hard-throwing righty undoubtedly has ace level upside.

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