When the White Sox acquired Michael Kopech from the Red Sox in December, they knew they were getting one of the Minor Leagues' hardest-throwing pitchers. On Tuesday, he showed just how hard that could be.The 20-year-old right-hander and Chicago's third-ranked prospect was recorded hitting 110 mph on a radar gun
When the White Sox acquired
The 20-year-old right-hander and Chicago's third-ranked prospect was recorded hitting 110 mph on a radar gun during a workout at APEC, the facility in Texas where he trains during the offseason.
The workout involved throwing against a screen using three-ounce and four-ounce balls, followed by a regular baseball. Kopech used the three-ounce ball for his eye-popping throw.
"It was an underload ball, so it was only three ounces, which I think a lot of people were overlooking. I guess that's good and bad for my benefit," Kopech said with with a laugh. "It's not like I was throwing a baseball 110, but I'm still moving it a little bit. Most of our guys are throwing it around 105. We have some hard-throwing guys here at APEC."
Before his throw, Kopech said Braves prospect
"Right before I threw it -- I had thrown one that was 106 -- he said, 'You haven't done anything yet unless you throw 110,'" Kopech said. "I didn't even say anything back -- I just stepped up and threw it. They kind of cut the rest of the video, but me and him were talking a little smack and going back and forth."
Heading into his first season with the White Sox since coming over in the
"I was throwing 102, 103 [mph] with the baseball and then 106 with the four-ounce and 110 with the three-ounce. This is my first max-velocity throwing day, so I'm feeling pretty good," the 2014 first-round pick said. "But at the same time, I'm not too worried about it. It's just the program that my trainer has installed for us here at APEC, and it's worked for a lot of our guys. I'm more worried about getting on the mound and actually being able to pitch."
Kopech has reached 105 mph in live-game action, which came on July 13 while with Class A Advanced Salem. MLB Pipeline rates his fastball as a perfect 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale.
Alex Kraft is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow and chat with him on Twitter @Alex_Kraft21.
This passage delves into the acquisition of Michael Kopech by the White Sox, highlighting his exceptional pitching capabilities, particularly his ability to throw at an incredibly high velocity, notably hitting 110 mph on a radar gun during a workout at APEC in Texas. Kopech, a right-handed pitcher, was acquired as a prospect known for his extraordinary fastball.
Firstly, Kopech's prowess lies in his fastball velocity, reaching an astounding 110 mph during training using a three-ounce ball, a significant achievement in the world of baseball. The utilization of underload balls (like the three-ounce ball) is a technique employed in training to enhance arm strength and speed. Kopech's statement regarding the significance of the three-ounce ball showcases his understanding of the nuances and training methodologies used to maximize pitching performance.
The article also mentions Kopech's interaction with Braves prospect J.B. Moss, who challenged him to hit the 110 mph mark. Kopech's nonchalant response followed by effortlessly meeting the challenge exemplifies his confidence and competitive spirit.
Furthermore, it's crucial to note Kopech's preparation for the upcoming season with the White Sox, intensifying his workouts to gear up for Spring Training. His focus not only revolves around his high velocity throws but also on refining his overall pitching abilities for live-game situations.
Kopech's history of reaching 105 mph in live-game action adds credibility to his capabilities beyond just practice. The scouting report's rating of his fastball as a perfect 80 on the 20-80 scale emphasizes the exceptional nature of his pitching talent, reinforcing his reputation as an outstanding prospect.
In essence, this article provides a glimpse into the remarkable pitching abilities of Michael Kopech, emphasizing his extraordinary velocity, dedication to training, and the competitive edge he possesses as a rising star in baseball.
