3 trade targets who could help fix the Pittsburgh Pirates' bullpen

Michael Kopech

Michael Kopech struggled severely as a starting pitcher in 2023. The Chicago White Sox opted to use him out of the bullpen this year, and it’s worked great so far. Kopech has been very solid, and has seen a massive uptick in fastball velocity since moving to a smaller workload. He is someone who could definitely be on the trading block within the next few weeks.

Kopech owns a 3.18 ERA, 4.28 FIP, and 1.24 WHIP through 22.2 innings. He has struck out just over a third of the batters he’s faced, with a 33.7% strikeout rate with a respectable 1.19 HR/9. Kopech has always struggled to limit free passes, and 2024 is no exception. He has a 14.7% BB%. 

The move to the pen has done a lot to improve Kopech’s stuff. He averaged 95.2 MPH with his fastball as a starter last year, but is now averaging 98.9 MPH. His fastball has gained a ton of ride as well, with 13.1 inches of drop last year compared to 9.8 inches this year. His slider has also gained just over an inch of horizontal break, and he’s now throwing a low-90s cutter that’s induced an xwOBA of .182.

In terms of Stuff+, a stat that says how good a pitcher’s offerings are based on velo, movement, release point, and spin, while on the same scale as something like OPS+ or wRC+, Kopech has gone from 108 as a starter to 145. That is the third highest in the league behind Mason Miller and Emmanuel Clase.

Kopech is controlled through the 2025 season. He’s someone who could help reinforce the bullpen next year, too. With the White Sox likely looking to sell, Kopech will definitely be someone who has rumors surrounding him. The Pirates should definitely check in on his market.