As the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaches, the stove is hot with big moves being made across the league. In a head-turning three-team deal, Michael Kopech of the Chicago White Sox was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this afternoon.
After remaining relatively silent in regards to cross-team transactions, Los Angeles finally struck a move that will hopefully cure their mid-season slump. The deal involved the St. Louis Cardinals, the White Sox, and the Dodgers. With each team losing and gaining valuable players, the results will hopefully be positive for all involved.
Here is a closer look into star pitcher, Michael Kopech and those involved in the deal.
Dive into the Deal
This three-team deal between the Dodgers, White Sox, and Cardinals involved many of the league’s superstars. In addition to Kopech, Los Angeles acquired Tommy Edman from St. Louis, an impressive utility player to fill the gaps the injured list has claimed from them recently.
Aside from Kopech, the other headlining name of the deal was Tommy Pham. The Cardinals acquired the elite outfielder from the White Sox in addition to starting pitcher, Erick Fedde. After trading some of their current best players away, Chicago’s aim was toward the future. They acquired great young talent in the form of top prospects in the Dodgers organization.
Miguel Vargas has already made his mark in the league. He has been a part of the Dodgers active roster off and on since 2022. Beloved by fans and teammates alike, he will make a lasting impact on his new team in Chicago as he is Major League-ready in his current state. In addition to Vargas, Chicago acquired Alexander Albertus and Jeral Perez, top infield prospects from Los Angeles.
Kopech’s Future Impact on Los Angeles
It is no secret that the Dodgers have been plagued with pitching struggles this 2024 season. With most of their elite talent on the Injured List, there have been many holes in both their rotation and bullpen. Blown leads and shaky starts led Los Angeles to take action on this trade deadline.
Kopech, the once-starting pitcher, has taken on a relief role for the White Sox this season. He has played 43 games this season, registering an ERA of 4.74. Throughout his appearances, he has garnered 59 strikeouts in 43.2 innings pitched and has nine saves.
Notably, Kopech threw the first immaculate inning of 2024 just a couple of weeks ago. While facing the Minnesota Twins, he threw nine pitches, striking out three while registering the save for the White Sox. His relieving success has made him highly sought after.
The Dodgers are hopeful Kopech’s presence in the bullpen will be what they need to turn around their recent woes as one of their go-to relievers has been struggling. With Evan Phillips blowing another lead in their recent series against the Houston Astros in a heartbreaking loss, a fresh arm in the pen may do some good to the Dodgers pitching staff.
The Dodgers Moving Forward With New Acquisitions
In addition to the talented Kopech joining the pitching staff, the Dodgers have attempted to fill some infield holes with Edman. Between Mookie Betts, Chris Taylor, Freddie Freeman, and Miguel Rojas being sidelined from injury, the Los Angeles infield needed some help.
Edman, though being out with a wrist injury the entire season, has had a great impact on St. Louis. His career slash line is .265/.319/.408. He will be a great asset to Los Angeles as he turns to major league shortly.
The Dodgers are hopeful the acquisition of Kopech and Edman will propel them to another World Series as they move forward in the second half of this season. Now harboring a record of 63-44, they will put their new reinforcements to the test as they take on the San Diego Padres tomorrow.
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