While most of Chicago sports media went on and on again about Kyle Schwarber being Babe Ruth 2.0, they missed a very impressive two innings from Michael Kopech in yesterday's game.
Facing seven batters, Kopech struck out five of them while allowing only one hit. His strikeout victims:
- Jason Heyward
- Tommy La Stella
- Jon Jay
- Ian Happ
- Jeimer Candelario
While his first inning this Spring Training was a bumpy ride, it's been quite smooth in his last five innings. Since being lit up by Seattle on February 28th, Kopech has only allowed four hits, one earned run, walking one and striking out nine.
His last two outings are why scouts believe he could be a future ace. It's also why some scouts think he can be lethal coming out of the bullpen. Here is something for White Sox fans to dream about: a trio of Zack Burdi, Nate Jones, and Kopech to close out games. Hell, if the Sox were to make a surprise postseason run before 2019, that could very well be how Kopech starts his major league career.
Another prospect hitting their stride is Yoan Moncada. Starting the Cactus League hitting 3 for 19, Moncada in his last five games has been 6 for 15. Hitting his first two home runs of the Spring against Kansas City on March 15th and driving in seven runs.
With just 16 days before Opening Day, Moncada and Kopech won't find themselves on the 25-man roster just quite yet. However, the White Sox could bring both with them when they make their way to Milwaukee for the two exhibition games against the Brewers. That would be a fun little tease for the South Side faithful who make the trip up I-94 to get a taste of what is yet to come.