In a recent sit-down interview, Michael Kopech made some interesting comments regarding his time with the White Sox. The former Sox and current Dodger pitcher participated in a group conversation with several Dodgers teammates on Mookie Betts’ On Base podcast. Kopech discussed his experience in Chicago and while his comments aren’t necessarily surprising, his perspective confirms how vastly different the White Sox are compared to a successful organization like the Dodgers from a player’s point of view.
Kopech’s Perspective
During his segment, Kopech reflected on his time in Chicago. He was not overly critical of the organization he spent part of five seasons with. However, it was apparent that he is much happier in his new surroundings than he was with the White Sox.
Kopech mentioned how he felt he was going through the motions with the White Sox, as the team was not playing for anything. He also said how playing for his own career over the team’s success created a sense of selfishness for him internally. This feeling made performing at a high level harder for him. Kopech also mentioned how he felt he lacked a “specific purpose” with the White Sox because the team was so bad. He called the trade that sent him to the Dodgers this past July a “blessing.”, as it represented a fresh start for him in a new environment. The Dodgers being as good as they are was simply the cherry on top.
Going from the worst team to the eventual World Series champions is a culture shock. It is no surprise that Kopech’s attitude and performance improved significantly. He finished the season as one of the Dodgers’ best relievers and was an integral reason why they won the World Series.
Miguel Vargas’ Perspective
Kopech and current White Sox infielder Miguel Vargas will forever be linked. They were in the same trade and essentially swapped situations because of the trade. While Kopech upgraded in every sense of the word, Vargas cannot say the same. He went from a great team to one that ended up being the worst in modern MLB history.
To say Vargas’ initial cup of coffee with the White Sox was disappointing would be an understatement. He had just 14 hits in 157 plate appearances with the White Sox. His body language also indicated that he was unhappy. It is fair to wonder if Kopech’s perspectives also apply to Vargas and the rest of the White Sox roster. On a team as bad as the White Sox were, it is only natural for the vibes to be negative and for players to start going through the motions, putting their individual interests ahead of the team.
White Sox Losing Culture Is A Significant Issue
Kopech’s current Dodgers teammate Tyler Glasnow called the White Sox losing culture “a disease” earlier this season. While Kopech was not quite that blunt, he didn’t say anything to dispute Glasnow’s argument either. The White Sox are a very bad baseball team, and that cannot be conducive to positive morale or camaraderie between players. Michael Kopech’s comments confirmed that.
Wish Kopech well but just another head case who never got it together here. No pity party for Vargas and his unhappy body language either. Paid as a pro, do your job llike one.