MLB Futures Game: Who To Watch During the Game

Michael Kopech – Chicago White Sox

At this point, there are few baseball fans or prospect hounds that have not heard of Michael Kopech. Armed with an incredible fastball, Kopech has fired his way into the national consciousness.

A consensus top 40 prospect heading into the season, Kopech has dazzled with his fastball when he has been on the mound. The problem is that he has not always been able to take his turn on the hill, missing time due to a PED suspension and a broken hand suffered when he punched a teammate. However, with that fastball that is routinely clocked at 102 MPH or higher, there is no questioning his talent.

Unfortunately, along with that high octane fastball comes a myriad of control issues. While Kopech has allowed just 56 hits in 78.1 innings, while striking out 101 batters, he has also issued 53 walks. Those command problems are a large part of why he has averaged under five innings per start.

While there may be questions as to what his long term future holds, Kopech is still going to turn heads with his electric stuff. After all, this is the pitcher who had a fastball come in at 105 MPH on the radar gun, and the pitcher taking the reading did not think twice. If he does end up in the bullpen in the long term, Kopech could be quite the weapon.

Later today, those watching the MLB Futures Game may get to see him on the mound. Just don’t blink, because you might miss his heater.