Dodgers fireballer makes exclusive list after joining club this summer

Patrick McAvoy

Dodgers fireballer makes exclusive list after joining club this summer image

The Los Angeles Dodgers certainly were active ahead of the 2024 Major League Baseball trade deadline and made a flurry of moves.

Los Angeles is one of the top contenders to win the World Series this season and it cemented the fact even further this summer ahead of the trade deadline. The Dodgers needed some help in the bullpen and certainly got some by acquiring fireballer Michael Kopech in a deal with the Chicago White Sox.

Kopech has been so good for the Dodgers that he was called the seventh-best trade deadline addition by MLB.com's Brian Murphy.

"There are a handful of relievers we could have chosen for this list," Murphy said. "A.J. Puk has been nails for the (Arizona Diamondbacks). Lucas Erceg began his (Kansas City Royals) career with 12 1/3 scoreless innings. The (San Diego Padres) have three possibilities: Jason Adam, Bryan Hoeing, and Tanner Scott. But we'll stay in L.A. and move from the rotation to the 'pen, where Kopech has been unbelievable in Dodger blue.

"The 28-year-old has struck out 19 of the 45 batters he has faced while permitting one run on three hits over 13 1/3 innings. His opponents' OPS is a minuscule .231. But the most important number for Kopech is 6.7%. That is his walk rate with the Dodgers. It's a massive improvement for a pitcher who produced a 13.3% walk rate from the beginning of 2022 through July 30, a span of 293 1/3 frames."

Kopech has been everything the Dodgers could've possibly hoped for. He has appeared in 14 games so far this season with the Dodgers and has a minuscule 0.63 ERA and a 20-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Los Angeles certainly made the right move by brining him in this summer.

More MLB: Dodgers linked to Yankees superstar in possible blockbuster signing

Patrick McAvoy

Patrick McAvoy Photo

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sportswriting across baseball, football and basketball. He has provided coverage for the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Celtics throughout his career. 

Outside of journalism, Patrick also has received a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Brandeis University and studied communication and business at Merrimack College where he earned his Bachelor's Degree.