Michael Kopech noticed a different energy recently while playing catch with White Sox teammates Ryan Burr, Zack Burdi and Yasmani Grandal.
“It was that camaraderie, but more so the underlying competitiveness in all of us,” Kopech said Wednesday. “It felt like a different energy. We were all pulling in the same direction, which is kind of a glimpse to us (of) what the future is going to look like.
“Not to look too far ahead, but we all are pulling in the same direction, not that that wasn’t the case before. We’re all starting to get that taste, so to speak.”
Kopech, the No. 2 prospect in the organization, is eager to do his part for the revamped Sox after missing all of 2019 while recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. He could be in the mix to contribute to a pitching staff that added starters Dallas Keuchel and Gio Gonzalez in the offseason.
“Physically, I feel great,” Kopech said. “Better than I probably have felt my entire baseball career since I was drafted. Mentally, I’m in a place that I think is stable and confident and prepared.
“Beforehand, I did as much as I could physically to go into spring and do as much as I could on the mound. Now I feel like I’ve taken what I’ve learned from this past year and tried to apply it. I feel physically I can compete still, and mentally I’m going to be able to withstand whatever is going to come my way.”
Kopech met with reporters after receiving a haircut as part of the Kopech’s Big Kut sweepstakes, which raised $20,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities and Chicago White Sox Charities.
“It’s much bigger than me,” Kopech said of the event. “I just want to make a contribution to something that has a purpose.”
Kopech also addressed his timetable and whether he’ll have any rust after the long layoff.
“I got to pitch in a couple of games toward the end of the season last year in the instructional league, and really getting to compete there was that taste I was looking for,” he said. “And hopefully this spring we’ll shake off any rust that I might have and I’ll get my chance to at least be in the conversation.”
Kopech anticipates a cautious, unrushed approach to his return.
“I assume that’s what everyone is thinking,” he said, “and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t probably thinking the same thing. But I’m still going to give myself that chance if it presents itself.”
Kopech could hit 100 mph with his fastball before the surgery. He said he still can, but he’s also making adjustments.
“I don’t know if I’m going to necessarily be that type of power pitcher again in my career,” Kopech said. “I’m going to be a little bit smarter and cautious about how I pitch. That being said, velocity will always be a part of my game.”
When that will be fully on display remains to be seen.
“My plan is to be competitive in the spring and give my team a chance to win, and hopefully that’s giving myself the best chance I can,” Kopech said. “But for what the team has in store for me, I really don’t know those answers. I’m just going to do my best when I get there.”
Note: Pitcher Dylan Covey cleared waivers and rejected an outright assignment to Triple-A Charlotte. He becomes a minor-league free agent.
