Career Timeline of Michael Kopech: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Michael Kopech made an impact.

Michael Kopech is a professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2014, he debuted in MLB with the Chicago White Sox in 2018. Traded to the Dodgers in 2024, he won the World Series that year. His career has been marked by high expectations and notable performances in MLB.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1923: Second White Sox Pitcher to throw an Immaculate Inning

In 2024, on July 10th, Michael Kopech became the second White Sox pitcher to throw an immaculate inning (and the first since Sloppy Thurston in 1923) while recording a save against the Twins.

2014: Drafted by Boston Red Sox

In 2014, Michael Kopech was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the first round of the MLB draft.

2014: Professional Debut with Gulf Coast League Red Sox

In 2014, after receiving a $1.6 million signing bonus from Boston, Michael Kopech started his professional career with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Red Sox, posting a 0-1 record and a 4.61 ERA in eight starts.

December 6, 2016: Traded to the Chicago White Sox

On December 6, 2016, Michael Kopech was traded by the Red Sox to the Chicago White Sox along with other players for Chris Sale.

2016: Broke hand and returned to action

In 2016, Michael Kopech broke his right hand during spring training. He returned to action later in the season, playing for the Lowell Spinners and being promoted to the Salem Red Sox.

August 18, 2017: Promoted to Triple-A Charlotte Knights

On August 18, 2017, Michael Kopech was promoted by the White Sox to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights after posting a 2.87 ERA over 119+1⁄3 innings in 22 starts with 155 strikeouts for the Double-A Birmingham Barons.

2018: MLB Debut with White Sox

In 2018, Michael Kopech made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox.

2018: Tommy John Surgery

In 2018, Michael Kopech underwent Tommy John surgery on September 18, ending his season after making four starts for the White Sox.

2019: Out for the season

Michael Kopech was out for the entirety of the 2019 season following Tommy John surgery.

July 10, 2020: Opted out of 2020 season

On July 10, 2020, Michael Kopech announced that he would sit out the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Pitched as a reliever for the White Sox

In 2021, the White Sox moved Michael Kopech to the bullpen, and on May 26 he went on the injured list with a strained left hamstring. He returned to the active roster on June 30. Kopech picked up his first career postseason win in the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros.

2022: Returned to the Starting Rotation

In 2022, Michael Kopech returned to the starting rotation for the White Sox. He was placed on the injured list on September 17 with right shoulder inflammation, shutting him down for the season.

January 13, 2023: Agreed to contract with the White Sox

On January 13, 2023, Michael Kopech agreed to a one-year, $2.05 million contract with the White Sox, avoiding salary arbitration.

July 29, 2024: Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers

On July 29, 2024, Michael Kopech was traded by the White Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a three-team deal.

2024: Won World Series with Dodgers

In 2024, Michael Kopech was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers and subsequently won the World Series with the team.

2024: White Sox move to Bullpen

In 2024, despite preferring to remain a starter, the White Sox moved Kopech to the bullpen.

2024: Postseason Performance for Dodgers

In the 2024 postseason, Michael Kopech pitched for the Dodgers, including appearances in the NLDS, NLCS where he recorded a win in Game 3 and started Game 6 as an opener, and the World Series.

2025: Started season on injured list

Due to arm inflammation in the offseason, Michael Kopech started the 2025 season on the injured list and was transferred to the 60-day injured list on May 1, rejoining the Dodgers on June 7.