White Sox pitching coach concerned about Michael Kopech’s mental health after he opts out of MLB season

Michael Kopech opted out of the 2020 season, and Don Cooper is curious as to why

Michael Kopech’s decision to opt out of the 2020 regular season without much reasoning was still an understandable one, with the COVID-19 pandemic still going strong in the United States. Playing baseball in times like these in unthinkable to the average citizen, so why should we be surprised that a few professional athletes don’t see the value in being our entertainment?

White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper sees this a different way. Cooper commented on Kopech’s mental health, and while he was coming from a place of good will and ultimately concern for a friend, to voice such matters publicly is a curious decision to say the least.

Don Cooper questioned Michael Kopech’s mental health

“I don’t know what is going on with Michael, but I know he deals with some anxiety and depression, and my thought is, I sure hope he’s OK,” Cooper told the Sun-Times. “And I hope he gets to where he needs to be, where he’s feeling good and wants to come back, because we will welcome him back with open arms.”

The White Sox had previously kept Kopech’s mental health under raps for obvious reasons, as the flame-thrower missed some of Summer Camp due to what the team called ‘personal matters’. By bringing this into the light, Cooper is doing Kopech a disservice, and also insinuating that a very reasonable action — skipping baseball during a pandemic — is related to his mental health issues.

“When Michael is ready to talk, then you are going to get the real deal,” Cooper added, also placing unnecessary pressure on Kopech.

If Cooper’s decision is fully based on his mental health, then it’s right to allow him to discuss such issues on his own terms, rather than blowing his cover. Perhaps unintentionally, Cooper has done just that.