Michael Kopech ready to fight for future with White Sox: 'I must live up to my potential'

GLENDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- Michael Kopech major-league story began with such promise in 2016, a flamethrowing pitching prospect sent to the White Sox in the blockbuster Chris Sale trade. He was coveted as a front-line starter for the long term. But now in the present day, Kopech is fighting for his future.

After dealing with a myriad of injuries and personal challenges, the 27-year-old Kopech enters this season as a top-of-the-rotation candidate and a major question mark, all at the same time.

“I don't think it's the pressure of what people expect from me that's something I'm trying to live up to,” Kopech said. “It's more so what I expect from myself. I have capabilities I have not shown at this level yet. There is still that edge I want to provide for this team and help them win a championship. In order to do that, I must live up to my potential."

Kopech has dealt with a period of two years where he did little or basically no pitching. He was recovering from elbow ligament replacement surgery in 2019 and opted out of the COVID-shortened season of 2020. Since then, it's been about rebuilding his arm strength and learning how to change from a thrower to a pitcher in the big leagues.

There were flashes of brilliance from Kopech last season, but he struggled in the second half while seeing his velocity drop and an ERA rise.

Kopech enters this season facing uncertainty.

"I think a big part of having a bounce-back year is what you are putting behind you," Kopech said. "We don't want to dwell on last year, but at the same time, we need to learn from the mistakes that were going on. I think that is important."

Kopech is slotted in the rotation with Dylan Cease, Erick Fedde and Michael Soroka to begin the spring. He lost 20 pounds as part of his conditioning and strength program this winter.

Entering spring training, Kopech believes he’s in a good place.

"Right now, I feel I can move well,” Kopech said. "The ball is coming out of my hand well. My body is allowing me to get into positions I wasn't able to get into the last couple of years. I'm excited to see how that all translates to the mound."

Kopech is under contract control for 2024 and 2025. He was demoted back to the bullpen in September for mostly precautionary reasons. Minor injuries were a concern that had the White Sox had a limit his innings.

Still, Kopech managed a career-high 129 innings, an important stepping stone in becoming a dependable big-league starter. He underwent a knee procedure this offseason and feels healthy entering 2024.

"I feel really good again,” Kopech said. “I got myself in really good shape and tightened everything up. I am now fine-tuning everything and not feeling I am behind the eight ball. My goal is (30-plus) starts. That was my goal last year and it is again this season. The focus must be on the team and getting everything to click and come together, preparing for a winning season."