MLB rumors: Yankees, Phillies among suitors for White Sox flamethrower
With the White Sox being obvious sellers, the Yankees and Phillies have taken notice of what Chicago has to offer.
With the Chicago White Sox holding the worst record in baseball, they will undoubtedly be sellers at the MLB trade deadline. The New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies have both shown interest in swinging a trade with the South Siders.
While the White Sox have plenty of trade candidates, relief pitcher Michael Kopech has been the focus of the Yankees and Phillies’ interest. They’re joined by the Kansas City Royals, who are also trying to add Kopech to their bullpen, via Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. In return for the relief pitcher, Chicago is said to be coveting controllable starting pitching.
Come playoff time, having a strong bullpen is crucial to success. New York and Philadelphia have been strong in the later innings, ranking third and ninth respectively with 3.19 and 3.55 bullpen ERAs. Kansas City hasn’t had the same success, ranking 22nd with a 4.32 ERA. Whether good or bad, Kopech would be a strong addition to the trio or any bullpen in the major leagues.
Making the jump from the rotation to the pen prior to the 2024 campaign, Kopech has made 29 appearances on the year. He holds a 4.91 ERA and a 43/18 K/BB ratio. While Kopech’s ERA is bloated, it comes from a pair of blow up appearances in which he allowed three runs. Over his 29 games, the right-hander has allowed two or more runs four times.
Strikeouts haven’t been a problem for Kopech throughout his career. He has had three consecutive seasons with 100+ and he is looking to make it four. His move to the bullpen has made Kopech a more durable thrower. With walks being a major problem in 2023, the move has seemed to help alleviate the issue.
With team control through 2025, any acquiring club would be getting more than just one-year rental in Michael Kopech. He seems likely to be dealt as the White Sox continue their full scale rebuild. If/when Kopech is dealt, the Yankees and Phillies will be atop the list of interested teams.
