“With reliever Michael Kopech possibly missing the first month of the season, the Dodgers, who will have a payroll exceeding $380 million, wanted more bullpen depth,” Nightengale wrote on X (previously Twitter). In a three-team trade that also brought Tommy Edman to Los Angeles, Kopech was acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline last year. He was overpowering in the closing minutes. He only gave up three earned runs in 24 innings pitched, recording an ERA of 1.13.
Kopech was a possible closing option for 2025, his final season before free agency, after recording six saves with the Dodgers on top of the nine he had already earned with the White Sox before to the trade. In 2024, the hard-throwing right-hander went from playing for the White Sox, the poorest team in the league, to winning a World Series with the Dodgers. His statistics demonstrate the remarkable impact that a change of setting can have on an individual.
Kopech pitched in 43 games for the White Sox, finishing with a 4.74 ERA and a 2-8 record. He struck out 59 batters and gave up 24 walks while converting nine of his 14 save attempts. Kopech became a powerful force on the mound after the transfer. During the regular season, he pitched 24 games for the Dodgers, going 4-0 with an impressive 1.13 ERA. He also walked ten hitters and struck out 29 others, converting all six of his save opportunities.
Despite his lack of postseason experience, Kopech remained unfazed. He finished with a 3.00 ERA and a 1-0 record after making 10 postseason appearances. He recorded three holds during the playoffs despite without recording a save. During the World Series, Kopech pitched 3.2 innings, giving up two runs on two hits. As the Dodgers won their eighth World Series, he was a key member of their bullpen.
