Former White Sox Top Prospect Attempts MLB Comeback

Michael Kopech's MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox was one of the most highly anticipated regular-season games in recent memory.

Kopech was a centerpiece of the blockbuster Chris Sale trade, coming over from the Boston Red Sox. By 2018, he was a top 10 prospect in all of baseball, looking like the future ace of Chicago's starting rotation.

Kopech dazzled through his first three MLB games, allowing just one run through his first 11 MLB innings. But after sustaining an injury in his fourth MLB outing, Kopech was shut down for the season with a sprain in his right UCL. He underwent Tommy John surgery, a major setback in his career, and it wasn't until three years later that the White Sox got him back on the mound.

From 2021 to 2024, there were some ups and downs during Kopech's tenure in Chicago. His 2022 campaign saw him post a 3.54 ERA over 25 starts, once again flashing the high-upside potential that the White Sox saw in him as a prospect. As time went on, though, Kopech continued to struggle with his control, ultimately getting moved to the bullpen by the White Sox in 2024 before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the deadline.

In LA, many of his problems seemed to be fixed. He made 38 total appearances out of the Dodgers' bullpen and went 4-0 with a 1.54 ERA. He pitched in four World Series games for Los Angeles in 2024, all of them wins, as Kopech became a World Series champion.

Over the last two seasons, though, injuries have once again been a problem. Kopech landed on the IL in 2025 with a right shoulder injury, then once again was on the shelf with a knee issue. He became a free agent following the 2025 season but did not sign with a team, sitting out all of 2026 despite some interest from clubs.

Reports indicated Kopech was once again dealing with shoulder and elbow injuries, which kept him on the sidelines. He took a year off to take a more cautious approach to his recovery. But the former top White Sox prospect has never let adversity stop him before, and it now appears that Michael Kopech is trying to make a comeback.

As first reported by Ken Rosenthal on Wednesday, Kopech plans to throw in front of teams this weekend. If he looks healthy and sharp during his bullpen session, there should be plenty of clubs lining up to sign him.

He still has a very explosive arm, one that could be valuable in the bullpen. And he's only 30 years old.

It's impossible to watch Kopech at his best or watch what he brought to the Dodgers in 2024 and 2025 and not believe he can help a team out of the bullpen.

The biggest change for Kopech that led to his recent success was throwing more fastballs. In 2023, Kopech was still a fastball-first pitcher, throwing it 62% of the time while pairing it with his slider, which he threw 28% of the time.

In 2024, his fastball usage went up to 78%, and in 2025, the slider went away entirely. Kopech threw 83% four-seam fastballs, which averaged 97.5 mph, and paired them with a cutter. He threw that 16% of the time, with over a six mph difference between the two pitches. The cutter averaged 91.1 mph.

The Dodgers unlocked the best in Michael Kopech. If he's fully healthy again, teams would be wise to take advantage of it. Even if it's not in a White Sox uniform, the South Side will be rooting him on.