Michael Kopech cites reasons for opting out of 2020 season

Michael Kopech is explaining his decision to opt out of the 2020 season. Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech cites multiple reasons for opting out of 2020 season

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 2/20/21

Chicago White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech has not played a Major League Baseball game since 2018. The right-hander missed the entire 2019 season with a torn UCL in his elbow and opted out of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

On Saturday, Kopech cited multiple reasons for opting out of the 2020 campaign, including family, personal reasons and prioritizing his mental health.

Michael Kopech said COVID concerns for family, personal reasons, and prioritizing his mental health were among multiple factors for why he elected not to play last season. He’s happy to be back

“I think I learned that I needed this game a lot more than I realized” pic.twitter.com/xsBslSdytb
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) February 20, 2021

Kopech's reasoning for opting out of the season is understandable. His estranged wife, "Riverdale" actress Vanessa Morgan, was pregnant at the time and recently gave birth to their son, River. Kopech filed for divorce from Morgan in June 2020, so his life certainly hasn't been easy amid the ongoing pandemic.

Kopech was drafted by the Boston Red Sox and was traded to the White Sox in the Chris Sale deal. In 2018, he went 1-1 with a 5.02 ERA, 1.535 WHIP and 15 strikeouts in 14.1 innings.

More must-reads: