Chicago White Sox: Michael Kopech overpowering in first start

Michael Kopech opened up his 2018 Spring Training with a simply dominant outing for the Chicago White Sox against the Oakland As.

Sure, that was only Michael Kopech’s first Spring Training start of the year for the Chicago White Sox. Several more spring starts and likely a trip to Class AAA Charlotte await him by the end of March.

But my goodness, if today was an indicator of how hitters are going to fare against him going forward, good luck.

Kopech worked two scoreless innings in the White Sox’s 7-6 win over the Oakland Athletics today, striking out three, walking none and giving up two hits.

Though he wasn’t completely spotless—Stephen Piscotty tagged him for a deep two-out double to right field in the first inning—his overpowering stuff was on display from the first pitch.

No really…he simply piped three straight fastballs right down the middle past the first hitter he faced in 2018. Not a single one came close to being touched.

He even touched 101 mph on at least one of his fastballs. That’s borderline not even fair, especially when you’re just getting warmed up for the season.

But the most important thing Kopech did today? Locate a few changeups and breaking balls for strikes.

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According to Kopech, he threw “seven or eight” changeups well, getting a few confused looks and

swings from hitters.

From Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times after the game:

"“I feel like I got the reaction I wanted,” Kopech said. “A couple got away from me, but I threw three for a called strike, two were swung over and one was fouled off so I got a few strikes out of it. I feel comfortable with it and taking it into my next outing.”"

If Kopech starts throwing changeups in low 90s or high 80s with the same motion that he throws his fastball, forget it. Hitters will be swinging themselves into the dirt and falling all over themselves trying not to offer at it.

And we didn’t even talk about the 90+-mph slider he throws already.

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If his arm stays intact and he can locate all his pitches, Michael Kopech is going to be a big problem for Major League hitters. Honestly, all he needs to do is focus on throwing strikes. Hitters can barely touch him as it is.

He may have only given us a glimpse of the future today, but that future is blinding right now.