Chicago White Sox: Michael Kopech will start 2021 in minors

It has been a long time since Michael Kopech has been on a major league mound. The Chicago White Sox flame throwing phenom had a promising four game stint in 2018, but underwent Tommy John surgery, costing him the 2019 campaign. Kopech was then one of the players to opt-out of the 2020 season, pushing him even further back in his development.

But Kopech will be back for the 2021 campaign. To that end, the White Sox are planning to extend him out as a starter for the coming year.

Chicago White Sox being cautious with Michael Kopech

Understandably, Kopech will be facing an innings limit in 2021. In addition to missing two entire seasons, he has a total of just 432.1 professional innings under his belt, and has eclipsed the 100 inning mark just twice in five years. He will need to work up to a larger workload.

Kopech may also benefit from more time in the minors. While he struck out 15 batters with just two walks in his 14.1 major league innings, he also allowed 20 hits. Of those 20 hits, four were home runs. His velocity may be impressive, but he is still a work in progress.

Keeping Kopech in the minors for a couple of months would achieve several goals. He would be able to slowly build back up to a starter’s workload without the pressure of trying to return to the postseason. The organization would also be able to work with him on refining his secondary offerings and not catching as much of the plate.

This also provides a bit of cost certainty for the White Sox. While they have been willing to spend during the offseason, being able to save some money down the line will help them remain in contention for years to come. As they work with Kopech, and limit his innings in the minors, they would be able to push his arbitration clock back far enough to maintain an extra year of control.

The Chicago White Sox plan on using Michael Kopech as a starter and limiting his innings. Starting him in the minors will achieve both goals.