BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 29% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: In 2024, the Chicago White Sox have turned to former starter Michael Kopech as their closer. His stuff profiles much like a typical closer, with a four-seamer that can touch triple digits paired with an 86 mph slider (80% FB usage so far in 2024).
Kopech's issue isn't velocity, though; it's throwing his pitches for strikes and his proclivity for giving up the long ball. Last season over 129 1/3 IP, the righty posted a horrid 15.4% BB% and 17.4% HR/FB% (29 HRs). In his five appearances so far this season we've seen a little bit of both, with the 27-year-old walking five batters, hitting one, and allowing one home run over seven-and-a-third IP. However, in his most recent outing, Kopech worked a two-inning save in which he did not allow a hit or a walk and struck out four.
Michael Kopech, Obliterating the Side. 🔥🔥🔥
100mph, 101mph...and 102mph pic.twitter.com/O3ShdZ9neq
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 10, 2024
He was not used the following day, however, presumably because he worked two innings the day before, and it cost the White Sox. Bryan Shaw was used in the bottom of the tenth inning instead with the Sox up one run, and he promptly gave up two runs on three hits, blowing the save chance. That probably only further solidifies Kopech's role as closer, but the problem is that wins may be few and far between for the White Sox, and as such so will the save chances.
Regardless, Kopech is still available in over 70% of Yahoo leagues and could be a speculative add in deep leagues or for managers looking to pick up any save they can get. Just know that it may feel like a rollercoaster at times and that the saves and the strikeouts may come at the expense of WHIP and ERA.
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups
Junior Caminero - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 9)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in All Leagues CALL-UP ETA: May ANALYSIS: Tampa Bay Rays infield prospect Junior Caminero has been a popular stash candidate all season and is on the verge of being promoted to the major leagues. Through 26 games at Triple-A Durham, the 20-year-old has posted an incredible .314/.379/.562 line with seven home runs and... Read More
Jasson Dominguez - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 9)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in Deeper Leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: New York Yankees outfield prospect Jasson Dominguez (elbow) has just begun a rehab assignment and is worth stashing in deeper leagues. The 21-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery last September and has been on the 60-day injured list ever since. However, the top prospect in the Yankees... Read More
James Wood - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 9)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in All Leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: Washington Nationals outfield prospect James Wood has been one of the best hitters in the minor leagues this season and is quickly approaching his major league debut. Through his first taste of Triple-A ball this season, Wood has posted a .356/.460/.582 line with seven long balls,... Read More
Coby Mayo - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 9)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in All Leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: Baltimore Orioles third base prospect Coby Mayo has been one of the best power hitters in the minor leagues this season and is quickly approaching his major league debut. Through 42 games with Triple-A Norfolk, Mayo has posted a .291/.359/.605 line with 13 long balls, 37... Read More
Brenton Doyle - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 9)
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats ROSTERED IN: 52% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Brenton Doyle has been raking thus far in 2024, and based on his rostership in most leagues, it has gone largely unnoticed. He is slashing .281/.337/.464 on the young season and has collected five home runs, 13 RBI, and 12 walks. He has also racked... Read More
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!