Chicago White Sox: Michael Kopech impresses early on, eyes next year’s roster

Chicago White Sox prospect Michael Kopech produced wide-spread excitement on the South Side during his first year with the organization.

When the White Sox traded Chris Sale to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Luis Alexander Basabe and Victor Diaz back in December, it signaled the end of a disappointing path taken by the organization for countless years.

With almost a full season completed during the first year of their rebuild, one can ask: how is the plan going?

Needless to say, Sox fans are going to feel drastically different heading into the offseason. This time, fans can actually accept and appreciate the direction of the team. And how couldn’t you?

With arguably the best farm system in baseball, the South Siders will only add on to the talent they’ve accumulated when the draft approaches.

But the excitement is already astronomically high on the South Side, thanks in part to the young right-hander they acquired in the Sale trade–Kopech.

Star on the Rise

Beginning his first season with the organization by playing for the Birmingham Barons, Kopech posted an ERA of 2.87 with a record of 8-7 over 22 games started. Even more impressive, the young right-hander finished his time in Birmingham with 155 strikeouts compared to 60 walks.

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With his promotion to the Charlotte Knights, Kopech noticeably inched closer and closer to the major league roster. In three starts, the fireballer posted an ERA of 3.00 with a record of 1-1, while striking out 17 and walking five.

The young, highly-talented 21-year-old pitcher is going to have his chance to make the major league roster next season. With so much talent already, coupled with colossally high potential, it isn’t outrageous to think he could crack the major league roster next season.

If he does crack the roster, the question then is where does he fit? As reported, he’s going to have his chance to show whether or not he’s ready for a starting role. However, based on the signs and path taken by the organization, all of which stress development, one might assume that he could begin his big-league career in the bullpen, just as Sale did when he was trying to find his way. Or, it’s possible he spends some more time in Triple-A before receiving the nod.

Next: Will the Cubs' bats show up in the postseason?

So much excitement is revolving around this young right-hander, and the excitement will surely follow and increase at the start of next season’s spring training.