Boston Red Sox drafts: How have the last 10 first-round picks done?

Boston Red Sox 2014 first-round pick: Michael Kopech (starting pitcher)

The Boston Red Sox used the 33rd overall pick in the 2014 draft on starting pitcher Michael Kopech. That's right, Boston had two first-round picks in the 2014 draft. Kopech was coming out of high school and had an electric arm.

In 2015, he pitched 65 innings in Full-A. The righty posted a 2.63 ERA, .228 BAA, and 1.23 WHIP. He also struck out 70 batters.

Kopech followed that with an even better year. In 56 1/3 innings, he struck out an absurd 86 batters. He posted a 2.08 ERA, .156 BAA, and 1.10 WHIP. 52 of those innings were in Advanced-A, with 4 1/3 coming in Short-A.

However, that was the end of Kopech's career with the Red Sox. That offseason, he was shipped off to the Chicago White Sox as part of the package for Chris Sale.

Kopech ended up making his MLB debut for Chicago in 2018. He showed some promise, but the numbers weren't great. Injuries meant that he didn't pitch again until 2021.

Kopech worked mainly out of the bullpen that year and managed impressive numbers. He moved back to the starting rotation in 2022 and had more success. 2023 has been a mixed bag when it comes to the results.

Michael Kopech had a short career with the Red Sox organization. He was a main piece for them in acquiring Chris Sale, so that has to count for something. But we're looking more at his body of work. How was he as a draft pick in terms of how he turned out as a professional baseball player?

Injuries have mired Kopech's career. He's pitched over 100 innings one time (119 1/3 in 2022). Although, he could definitely break that number again this season.

Overall, the stats are solid. But they aren't anything spectacular. And the best ability is availability, which Kopech hasn't brought to the table much. He's still only 27. There's plenty of time for him to carve out a great career.

Draft Grade: C+