The Los Angeles Dodgers banked on helping Michael Kopech make some adjustments when they acquired him along with Tommy Edman as part of a three-team trade at the deadline last year, and it was a decision that paid off in spades.
Kopech not only became a high-leverage option out of the Dodgers bullpen, but Edman was a key contributor to their World Series run as well. The offseason then saw Edman sign a five-year, $74 million extension despite previously being under contract for the 2025 season.
The Dodgers also kept Kopech under team control by tendering him a contract at the deadline last November. They additionally did so with fellow arbitration-eligible players Anthony Banda, Brusdar Graterol, Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Kopech and the Dodgers agreed to a one-year contract to avoid arbitration:
Michael Kopech, Dodgers settle: $5.2mm
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 9, 2025
Kopech’s salary for the 2025 season matches the $5.2 million projection MLB Trade Rumors made for his final year of arbitration.
Thursday at 10 a.m. PT was the deadline for players and teams to exchange salary figures, which generated plenty of activity.
The Dodgers previously signed Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May to respective one-year contracts to avoid arbitration with both right-handers.
The Dodgers also did so with Anthony Banda, Brusdar Graterol, Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia. That kept each player on the 40-man roster and under team control, but still needing an official contract for at least the 2025 season.
Kopech went 4-0 with six saves, a 1.13 ERA, 2.54 FIP and 0.79 WHIP across 24 appearances for the Dodgers.
Michael Kopech rejuvenated by Dodgers trade
Kopech was among the players who appeared on the “On Base with Mookie Betts” podcast episode that was recorded following the World Series celebration at Dodger Stadium.
Kopech reflected on being traded by the Chicago White Sox, the difficulties of keeping motivated on a struggling team and how appreciative he was to join the Dodgers.
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