Former Dodger Michael Kopech Linked to NL West Rival
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Former Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Michael Kopech is still a free agent, and has been linked to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Kopech pitched for the Dodgers in 2024 and 2025 after coming from the Chicago White Sox via trade, and Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer believes he’s a perfect fit to stay in the NL West.
Why Would Michael Kopech Work for the Diamondbacks?
The Diamondbacks have struggled for strikeouts so far in relief, and Kopech would be a solid option for the out of the pen.
Kopech had a healthy regular season in 2024, and had an incredible 31.5% strikeout rate during that time. He played in 67 games and posted a 3.46 ERA with 15 saves.
“If the D-backs are to have any hope of taking down the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, they need to do something about their bullpen,” Rymer wrote.
“The closer’s role is no place for Paul Sewald at this stage, and all the team’s relievers have fanned only 30 of the 161 batters they have faced so far. A situation like that is crying out for Kopech’s upside.”
Rymer also considers Kopech as a low-risk, high-reward type of player at the moment, also naming teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals and Boston Red Sox as landing spots.
“Despite some bright spots here and there, Michael Kopech’s career has yet to fully launch,” Rymer wrote. “And if it’s a question of why he’s still a free agent, you probably have to look no further than his injury history.
“However, we’re still talking about a guy who touched 101 mph last year. And because he gets good extension out of his 6’3”, 220-pound frame, his heat comes in looking even hotter than what the radar gun says.
“He might be the most high-reward free agent left standing. And at this point, the risk of signing him is likely minimal.”
How did Michael Kopech Pitch With the Dodgers?
The Dodgers acquired Kopech near the deadline in 2024, and he played a huge role throughout the remainder of the regular season for LA.
Kopech played 24 games, posting a 1.13 ERA through 24 innings with 29 strikeouts. He also made 10 appearances for the team in the postseason, pitching nine innings and keeping a 3.00 ERA.
The right-hander struggled with injury in 2025, though, as he made just 12 sporadic appearances throughout the entirety of the season and missed out on October baseball completely.
Through those 12 games, Kopech had a 2.45 ERA and managed 12 strikeouts in 13 innings, though struggled with control and also allowed 13 walks—three more than he did with the Dodgers in 2024 in half as many innings.
Kopech has shown he has the ability to function at the top level, though, and can surely find a role on a competitive team in MLB.
Which team do you think will pick up Michael Kopech?
