3 rebound relievers the NY Mets should take a chance on based on Stuff+

3) Michael Kopech

Since the LA Dodgers acquired Michael Kopech at the 2024 trade deadline, the right-hander has gone through many injuries. He suffered forearm inflammation during the last offseason, then was placed on the IL to open the year with a shoulder impingement. While he returned in June, he would then undergo surgery for a torn meniscus in July. He was able to return to the mound in September, but would end the year on the IL once again.

However, when the right-hander is healthy enough to take the mound, Kopech has been absolutely dominant for LA. In 35 innings for the Dodgers, Kopech has a 1.54 ERA, 3.16 FIP, and 1.09 WHIP. He has never been one to limit walks, and had just a 16.3% BB% in Dodger blue. However, he made up for that with plenty of K's, inducing a strikeout 29.1% of the time. He was also elite at limiting quality contact, with a 5.2% barrel rate, leading to a 0.26 H/9.

Kopech's abilities have never been in question, as he put up an elite Stuff+ mark of 124. The right-hander has always been known for his big fastball, and averaged out at 98.4 MPH with LA. Since making his debut with the Dodgers last July. Kopech's Stuff+ is the seventh best among relievers with at least 30 innings under their belt. That surpasses the likes of Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers, Trevor Megill, and Jhoan Duran. His fastball velocity with the Dodgers is also the 21st fastest in the league since the Dodgers acquired him.

Kopech can be one of baseball's hardest-throwing pitchers when he is healthy. It's a small sample size, but he's been outstanding for the Dodgers. The Mets should be all over this opportunity. Kopech easily has the potential to be a lockdown high-leverage bullpen arm. Considering his health in 2025, he'll likely have to settle for a chance to rebound in 2026.