Yankees, Giants Showing Interest in Free Agent Reliever Michael Kopech
As spring training inches closer, one of the more intriguing bullpen arms still on the market is Michael Kopech - and he’s drawing attention from some big-name contenders. The New York Yankees have reportedly checked in on the hard-throwing right-hander, while the San Francisco Giants have also been in touch.
That’s not exactly shocking. When Kopech is healthy, he brings the kind of electricity out of the bullpen that teams crave in October.
Kopech hit free agency after the 2025 season, and while injuries limited his availability last year, his upside remains undeniable. Just look back to 2024, when the Dodgers acquired him at the trade deadline in a three-team deal with the White Sox and Cardinals. That move turned out to be a quiet masterstroke for Los Angeles.
In 2024, Kopech delivered a dominant 1.13 ERA for the Dodgers and played a pivotal role in their World Series run. Over nine postseason innings, he struck out 10 and posted a 3.00 ERA - numbers that speak to his ability to handle high-leverage moments under the brightest lights.
The Dodgers entered 2025 hoping for more of the same, but Kopech’s season was derailed by injuries. He made just 14 appearances, though he was still effective when on the mound, posting a 2.45 ERA. Across his two seasons in Los Angeles, Kopech allowed just six earned runs and struck out 41 batters over 35 innings - a clear indication of the kind of impact arm he can be when healthy.
Had he stayed on the field, it’s entirely possible the Dodgers would’ve turned to him as a replacement for struggling closer Tanner Scott during the season. But instead, Kopech’s limited availability opened the door for other bullpen moves.
One of those moves came this offseason when the Dodgers signed elite closer Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69 million deal - a clear signal they’re aiming to lock down the ninth inning with a proven arm. That signing also makes a Kopech reunion less likely, though not entirely off the table, especially considering the Dodgers’ recent track record with pitcher injuries. A short-term deal for Kopech could still make sense, especially if they want to reinforce their bullpen depth with someone they know can perform on the big stage.
As for Kopech’s market, the Yankees and Giants are both logical suitors. The Yankees have been active in reshaping their roster, and adding a high-upside reliever like Kopech would give their bullpen another weapon. The Giants, meanwhile, are looking to stay competitive in a tough NL West and could benefit from Kopech’s swing-and-miss stuff in late innings.
Contract projections have Kopech landing a two-year, $13.5 million deal with opt-outs - a fair bet for a pitcher with his ceiling and injury history. It’s a classic high-risk, high-reward signing, and teams that believe in their medical staff and pitching development should be lining up.
Kopech isn’t the only Dodger free agent still on the board. Kiké Hernández, Michael Conforto, and Evan Phillips remain unsigned as well, but Kopech’s blend of postseason experience, raw talent, and strikeout ability make him one of the more compelling bullpen options still available.
If he lands in the Bronx or the Bay, don’t be surprised to see Kopech back in the spotlight come October.