Three possible trading locations for this upside The White Sox reliever
By David Hill | Last updated: 7/17/24
Based on his performance this season, Chicago White Sox reliever Michael Kopech is unlikely to be a top trade target.
Kopech had a 5.05 ERA and a 1.390 WHiP in 41 innings before the All-Star break, striking out 56 batters with 23 walks, but his fastball still averages 98.9 MPH and strikes out 12.3 batters per nine innings. On July 10, he pitched an outstanding inning against the Minnesota Twins, earning a save and demonstrating his potential.
Kopech’s fastball and potential have generated a lot of attention ahead of the July 30 trade deadline. Let’s look at three potential destinations for the White Sox bullpen.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees bullpen seemed to be set moving into the summer, with Clay Holmes performing as one of baseball’s finest closers until June 9. That has not been the case subsequently, with Holmes posting a 7.45 ERA and 1.552 WHiP in 9 2/3 innings across his last ten outings. Holmes has blown three saves and lost three games in that span, worsening the Yankees’ current woes.
Kopech also has another element that the Yankees should consider. He is getting only $3 million this season and has one year of arbitration remaining. According to Spotrac.com, the Yankees have over $158 million in guaranteed contracts for only six players in 2025. With Juan Soto poised to enter free agency and voids on the roster, having a cheap high-leverage arm like Kopech’s
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals have already made one move to strengthen their bullpen, acquiring Hunter Harvey shortly before the All-Star break.
However, Harvey alone will not fix the Royals’ bullpen difficulties. This season, Royals relievers have a cumulative ERA of 4.21, ranking them 21st in the majors. The Royals also need power arms in the bullpen; Sam Long is the only Royals reliever who has struck out more than one hitter per inning in at least ten innings this season. Kopech would provide the Royals with another high-octane option, joining Harvey in a remade bullpen.
New York Mets
The New York Mets have climbed the rankings to claim the last wild-card slot at the All-Star break. This puts the Mets in an interesting situation, as they may deal away certain players while adding others for a postseason run.
The Mets need relief pitchers. Jon Heyman of the New York Post revealed at the end of June that the Mets are focused on the bullpen to shore up a dubious relief corps. The Mets relievers had a 4.20 ERA entering the All-Star break, ranking 20th in MLB. Kopech would give another powerful arm to the bullpen if Edwin Diaz continues to struggle. The Mets have the sort of controllable pitching that the White Sox seek, making Queens a possible destination.
