Three potential trade destinations for this upside White Sox reliever
Chicago White Sox reliever Michael Kopech would not typically be a highly sought after trade target based on his performance this season.
Kopech posted a disappointing 5.05 ERA and a 1.390 WHiP during his 41 innings before the All-Star break, striking out 56 batters with 23 walks, but still tantalizes as he has averaged 98.9 MPH on his fastball while striking out 12.3 batters per nine innings. He fired an immaculate inning against the Minnesota Twins to record a save on July 10, showcasing his upside.
Kopech’s fastball and potential has led to a great deal of interest ahead of the July 30 trade deadline. Let’s take a look at three possible landing spots for the White Sox reliever.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees bullpen appeared to be set heading into the summer, as Clay Holmes was operating as one of the best closers in baseball through June 9. That has not been the case since as Holmes has posted a 7.45 ERA and a 1.552 WHiP in 9 2/3 innings over his past 10 appearances. Holmes has three blown saves and three losses in that time, exacerbating the Yankees’ recent struggles.
Kopech also has another factor that could interest the Yankees. He is making only $3 million this season and has one year of arbitration left. The Yankees have approximately $158 million in guaranteed contracts for 2025 per Spotrac.com for just six players. With Juan Soto set to hit free agency and holes throughout the roster, having an affordable high-leverage arm such as Kopech’s would make a difference.
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals already made one move to solidify the bullpen, acquiring Hunter Harvey just before the All-Star break.
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Harvey alone is not going to solve the Royals’ bullpen issues, though. Royals relievers have combined for a 4.21 ERA this season, 21st in the majors. The Royals also need power arms in the bullpen; Sam Long is the only Royals reliever to have struck out more than a batter per inning with at least 10 innings pitched this season. Kopech would give the Royals another high-octane option, pairing with Harvey in a revamped back of the bullpen.
New York Mets
The New York Mets have stormed up the standings to hold the final wild-card spot at the All-Star break. This puts the Mets in an interesting position where they could trade pieces away while adding others for a playoff push.
Relief pitching is a need for the Mets. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported at the end of June that the Mets are focusing on the bullpen, looking to shore up a questionable relief corps. Mets relievers posted a 4.20 ERA entering the All-Star break , ranking 20th in baseball. Kopech would add another power arm to the bullpen in case Edwin Diaz continues to struggle. The Mets have the type of controllable pitching that the White Sox want, making Queens a potential landing spot.
