Michael Kopech last pitched in Major League Baseball as a Dodgers reliever in 2025.
Kopech only pitched 11 innings, posting a 2.45 ERA as he dealt with numerous injuries that kept him sidelined for a majority of the season. The 30-year-old was a free agent last offseason, but remained unsigned through the 2026 season.
Michael Kopech #45 of the Los Angeles Dodgers tells the Yankees bench to keep quiet after getting Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees to pop out during the 8th inning. Jason Szenes / New York Post
While the Dodgers chased a three-peat, Kopech spent the year recovering from a knee injury. Now, the right-hander is looking to return to MLB and is set to throw for teams Saturday, according to The Athletic.
The Dodgers acquired Kopech in a three-team trade with the White Sox and Cardinals, where Los Angeles also received utility man Tommy Edman. The deal was key for the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series run as both Kopech and Edman were instrumental.
Michael Kopech #45 of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivers a pitch in the fifth inning during a game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on July 31, 2024, in San Diego. Getty Images
In 2024, Kopech sported a 1.13 ERA across 24 innings with the Dodgers after the trade deadline. He accrued a 1.1 bWAR.
Ahead of the 2025 season, the Dodgers signed reliever Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal with the expectation that he would be the team’s primary closer.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Michael Kopech (45) walks off after the fifth inning of game three of the NLCS against the New York Mets at Citi Field, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in Queens, New York. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Scott had a nightmarish first season in LA and the Dodgers searched for other closing options.
Kopech likely could have been the Dodgers’ closer in 2025 had he not been plagued by injuries. If the right-hander has returned to full form, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him find a new team this offseason.