Report: Yankees, Phillies, Royals interested in White Sox closer Kopech

The New York Yankees, Kansas City Royals, and Philadelphia Phillies are among a handful of teams showing interest in Chicago White Sox closer Michael Kopech, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score reports.

Kopech has five saves this season with a 4.91 ERA and 43 strikeouts across 29 1/3 innings with the White Sox. He's under team control through the 2025 campaign.

The 28-year-old's 98.8 mph average fastball velocity is in the 99th percentile among all pitchers this season. He also grades out well in whiff percentage and strikeout rate.

Kopech is aware that he'll be connected to trade rumors given where the White Sox are in the standings but hopes to remain in Chicago.

"I don't want to leave the White Sox, but I understand where the team is at and what they are trying to accomplish," Kopech said. "It helps a little bit that I have been traded before. I know what it's like to show up in a brand-new environment. It's kind of like being a new kid at a school. It's a little different now because you are expected to do something right away to help your new club win. A fresh start isn't necessarily the worst thing, but my career has been about being with the Sox. If I am traded, I will do everything I can to contribute wherever I go."

The White Sox are a league-worst 18-52 season. Kopech has spent the last five seasons - his entire major-league career - in Chicago after he was acquired from the Boston Red Sox in the Chris Sale trade ahead of the 2018 campaign.