The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the most successful and strategically sound franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB). Throughout their storied history, the team has been known for making astute moves to build a competitive roster each season. This includes acquiring talented pitchers who can strengthen the bullpen or bolster the starting rotation. The latest rumors suggest that the Dodgers are working on agreements with two right-handed pitchers (RHPs) – Michael Kopech and Brusdar Graterol – to further improve their pitching depth and overall performance on the mound. The following article will delve into the details surrounding each of these players, how they fit into the Dodgers’ system, and what their addition could mean for the team’s pitching staff moving forward.
Michael Kopech: The Upside of a High-Voltage Arm
Michael Kopech, a former top prospect, has shown flashes of elite talent throughout his career but has also battled injuries and inconsistency. After being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2014, Kopech was traded to the Chicago White Sox in 2016 as part of the package for Chris Sale. The trade set the stage for Kopech’s future with the White Sox, and expectations were high for him to develop into a key contributor to their rotation.
The High-Voltage Fastball and Strikeout Stuff
Kopech’s primary weapon is his electric fastball, which has the potential to reach triple digits in velocity. His fastball is a dominant pitch that can overwhelm hitters and generate swings and misses. In addition to the fastball, Kopech has a sharp slider and a developing changeup that allow him to mix up his pitch selection and keep hitters off balance. These pitches have been the foundation of his strikeout-heavy profile, and Kopech has shown the ability to rack up strikeouts at an elite level when he is healthy and effective.
Kopech’s ability to miss bats and generate swings and misses makes him an intriguing option for any team looking to improve its pitching staff. His high-octane stuff has drawn comparisons to some of the top power pitchers in the game, and if he can continue to refine his control and command, he has the potential to be a frontline starter in the major leagues.
Injury Concerns and Development
Despite his raw talent, Kopech’s career has been marred by injuries. He missed the entire 2019 season due to Tommy John surgery, and while he made a successful return in 2020, his overall consistency has been a question mark. The 2022 season, in particular, saw Kopech struggle with consistency and health issues. However, when he is healthy and clicking, Kopech has proven he can be an electric force on the mound.
One area where Kopech has improved in recent years is his ability to limit walks. Commanding the strike zone has always been a challenge for him, but he has made strides in his development as a more efficient pitcher. If Kopech can continue to harness his stuff and improve his control, he could become an incredibly valuable asset for the Dodgers in both short and long-term roles.
How Kopech Fits with the Dodgers
The Dodgers’ pitching staff has consistently been one of the best in the league, with a deep and talented rotation complemented by a strong bullpen. However, the team has dealt with injuries to key pitchers over the years, and adding a pitcher like Kopech would provide a significant boost to their pitching depth.
Kopech’s raw stuff and upside make him an intriguing addition to the Dodgers’ staff, whether in the rotation or the bullpen. His potential as a high-leverage reliever or even as a back-end starter in the rotation offers the Dodgers flexibility. With their rich pitching infrastructure, the Dodgers could work on further refining Kopech’s mechanics and control to help him reach his full potential.
In addition to the value Kopech would provide on the mound, his upside represents an opportunity for the Dodgers to add a high-impact arm at a relatively low cost, given that he is still working to reach his peak. If the Dodgers’ coaching staff can help unlock his potential, Kopech could emerge as one of the more exciting pitchers in the league.
Brusdar Graterol: The Power Arm from the Bullpen
Brusdar Graterol is another right-handed pitcher that the Dodgers have reportedly reached an agreement with, adding another dynamic arm to the bullpen. Graterol is known for his powerful fastball and ability to generate swings and misses in high-leverage situations. His presence in the Dodgers’ bullpen could add even more firepower to a unit that already boasts some of the best arms in the game.
The Fastball and the Hard-Hitting Approach
Graterol’s calling card is his fastball, which is one of the most electric pitches in baseball. The Venezuelan-born pitcher regularly hits the upper 90s and has even touched 101 mph on occasion. His fastball is complemented by a slider that he uses to generate strikeouts, and his ability to overpower hitters with his stuff is a key part of his effectiveness.
Graterol’s power arm gives him the ability to dominate hitters, especially in late-inning situations. His fastball plays up in high-leverage moments, making him a reliable option for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts when he needs to put the game in the hands of his bullpen. Graterol’s ability to generate strikeouts and miss bats with his fastball has made him an important piece in the Dodgers’ relief corps.
Strikeout Potential and Control
While Graterol is known for his raw velocity, one area where he has shown growth is his control. Early in his career, there were questions about his ability to consistently throw strikes, but he has developed a more refined approach over time. This has allowed him to harness his fastball and make more quality pitches, increasing his effectiveness as a reliever.
In addition to his fastball, Graterol also has a slider that is a solid secondary offering. The slider has enough movement to keep hitters off balance, and it complements his heat well. As Graterol continues to develop and refine his pitch mix, his potential as a shutdown reliever becomes more evident. With a bit more command and polish, he could be one of the most dominant relief arms in baseball.
How Graterol Fits with the Dodgers
The Dodgers have had one of the most formidable bullpens in recent years, and Graterol’s addition would further strengthen their already impressive relief corps. With a deep roster of relievers, the Dodgers have the luxury of being able to use Graterol in high-leverage situations where his power fastball can overwhelm opposing hitters. Whether it’s closing out games or working as a setup man, Graterol’s ability to dominate with his velocity makes him a crucial piece of the bullpen puzzle.
In addition to his value in the bullpen, Graterol’s presence in the Dodgers’ system provides another layer of depth and flexibility. The team can afford to use him in a variety of roles, depending on their needs throughout the season. His ability to pitch multiple innings, combined with his overpowering stuff, makes him an important asset in both short-term and long-term scenarios.
