Michael Kopech's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Right-handed reliever Michael Kopech and the Los Angeles Dodgers avoided salary arbitration on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year, $5.2 million deal for 2025. Kopech began last season as the closer for the Chicago White Sox and struggled with a 4.74 ERA and 1.35 WHIP with nine saves, 59 strikeouts and 24 walks in 43 2/3 innings before he was traded to the Dodgers at the trade deadline. The hard-throwing 28-year-old turned things around when he got to LA and helped the team win the World Series in the fall. In his 24 appearances out of the bullpen for the Blue in the regular season, Kopech had a pristine 1.13 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, six saves, 29 strikeouts and 10 walks in 24 innings. With his full-time move to a relief role in 2024, Kopech's velocity predictably went up and he induced whiffs 34% of the time on his heater. Walks can be an issue, but he'll once again be in the mix for saves in 2025 on the best team in baseball.

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Michael Kopech collected his 11th save of the season and second in three days on Sunday, locking down a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Kopech has been fantastic since he was acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline, tossing 9 shutout frames, striking out 13, and allowing just one hit and one walk. LA hasn't been able to lock down a closer since removing Evan Phillips from the role, but it appears manager Dave Roberts has found his guy in Kopech. As the Dodgers' potential closer, he should be rostered in any league where saves count.

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Michael Kopech was handed the ball in the ninth inning Friday, pitching a clean frame with no hits or walks and recording two strikeouts while notching the save in the 7-6 victory over the Cardinals. It was the righty's first save in a Dodger uniform after coming over from the White Sox. While the 28-year-old's tenure with the Sox was tumultuous, it has been smooth sailing so far in L.A., posting a 0.00 ERA in eight appearances, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out 13 batters. Daniel Hudson blew a save on Thursday and it has been nearly a month since Evan Phillips earned a save, so while all three are in the mix, Kopech's effectiveness should provide him more opportunities for saves going forward.