Dodgers’ Michael Kopech Reveals Candid Ambition For His Future
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Michael Kopech has become a weapon in the bullpen but he isn’t closing the door on returning to another role.
As a guest on Foul Territory, Kopech said returning to the starting rotation is on his “wish list.”
“It’s up to the organization at this point,” Kopech said. “I think I’ve found a good fit in the bullpen but starting, mixing pitches, going deep into games, having a lot of control over the momentum of the game, that’s always something that I’ve really enjoyed doing.”
Kopech, once seen as the future ace of the Chicago White Sox, spent the last two seasons primarily as a starter before injuries and struggles led to his move to the bullpen in 2024.
The 28-year-old had mediocre stats with Chicago but has been dominant since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, posting a 0.95 earned run average and 0.74 WHIP in 19 relief appearances. To compare his numbers from the first half in Chicago, he was 2-8 with a 4.74 ERA and 1.351 WHIP across 43.2 innings.
On Sunday, Kopech picked up his sixth win with the Dodgers in a 9-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves. He has been nearly untouchable since he put on a Dodgers jersey.
In one season, Kopech will have played for what could be the worst Major League Baseball team in modern history and become a key player and rising fan favorite for a team with the best chances to win the World Series.
The Dodgers just need him to continue doing what he is doing, which began toward the end of his tenure with the White Sox.
The push to reduce Kopech’s fastball usage began in his final outings with Chicago. When the Dodgers traded for him, general manager Brandon Gomes emphasized they intended to continue that approach in an interview with The Athletic.
“It’s one of the best fastballs in the game out of the pen,” he said. “And when you start to mix in some secondary there, it’s going to make everything play up.”
If Kopech wants to return to the rotation and do it with the Dodgers, the spotlight will get brighter in a hurry. He won’t be disappointed if it doesn’t happen.
“If (starting) is not in the cards, it’s not in the cards,” Kopech added. “I just want to compete and help the team win.”
Joining the Dodgers’ bullpen has sparked the best stretch of Kopech’s career. Some believe this surge may be due to the motivation to elevate his performance for a team that both needs and expects a lot from him.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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