On MLB.com, Michael Kopech’s listed ETA to the MLB is 2018, but that still figured to be after the All-Star break next year at the earliest. After recently earning a promotion to Triple-A Charlotte, it is evident that Kopech has progressed quicker than expected. Today, reports came out that he could be on the White Sox roster on Opening Day 2018.
Michael Kopech has impressed #WhiteSox to extent that he'll have chance to win a rotation spot next spring training, Nick Hostetler says.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) August 29, 2017
With Hostetler being the head scout for the team, his words shouldn’t be taken lightly. The common theme for all the new White Sox prospects is that they would not be rushed, regardless of how good or bad the White Sox are doing. However, Kopech wasn’t supposed to make any starts in Triple-A this year. He forced the issue and earned the promotion. If he shows he can easily hold his own against MLB batters in Spring Training, he could force the White Sox hand and lock up a rotation spot quicker than anyone would have thought.
Based on the repetitive theme of not rushing prospects, I think Kopech would have to absolutely light it up in Spring Training to secure a roster spot on Opening Day. However, his stuff is that electric to where it wouldn’t come as a total surprise if he did dominate. Even if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster, he could still be called up to Chicago before the All-Star break. For Kopech, that would still be considered well ahead of schedule.
Next year the White Sox are still probably going to be pretty bad. Most likely in the 70 win range. That doesn’t mean that they can’t still be fun to watch. A full year of Yoan Moncada, Reynaldo Lopez, and Lucas Giolito will be crucial to the development of the team. Add in the looming debut of Michael Kopech, who is the no. 1 pitching prospect in baseball, and suddenly you have the makings for a very fun season.
Get ready White Sox fans, it won’t be long until we see things like this on the South Side.
