Chicago White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech informed his team over the weekend that he would not participate in the 2020 MLB season, becoming another one on a growing list of big leaguers that are choosing to sit out this abbreviated campaign.
While most players who have decided to sit out 2020, including Dodgers pitcher David Price and Giants catcher Buster Posey, have done so due to concerns about COVID-19, Kopech’s case appears to be different by all accounts.
The White Sox pitcher has previously struggled with anxiety and depression, and was absent at the beginning of this summer’s camp due to “personal reasons.” It appears that these problems are the main reason that Kopech has decided to sit out this season and look forward to 2021.
White Sox GM Rick Hahn said, “We recognize that reaching this decision is incredibly difficult for any competitive athlete, and our organization is understanding and supportive.”
Kopech, who at 24-years-old is considered to be one of the building blocks of a group of young talent that Chicago has accumulated in a bid to return to relevancy, was penciled in as a starting pitching option in the Sox’s rotation heading into 2020.
The flame-throwing righty appeared in 4 games last season in the Big Leagues, posting a 5.02 ERA in a short cameo.
