If his 120 innings pitched were enough to qualify, Michael Kopech’s 15% walk rate would be the highest of any starting pitcher in baseball, and would be higher than any qualified starter since 1994.
When adjusted for run environment, Kopech’s 4.95 ERA for the season is only 10% worse than the league average, but advanced metrics suggest it could be worse because of his high walk and home-run totals. Premium velocity and fastball spin, and a five-start stretch beginning in late May where Kopech posted a 1.72 ERA and struck out 44 while walking just five, reminds of the massive talent at hand.
