Kevin Kopps’ final season with the Arkansas baseball team completely changed the trajectory of his career.
The 2021 National Player and Pitcher of the Year for the Razorbacks had been, until that season, a longshot to get drafted, nevermind near the Major Leagues. His senior season, though, saw him earn just about every plaudit available in college baseball.
And now, just over two calendar years later, Kopps is nearing a Major League call-up.
The San Diego Padres’ system right-hander was promoted Tuesday from the team’s Double-A affiliate San Antonio to Triple-A El Paso. Kopps was striking out 11 batters per nine innings with San Antonio while registering a 2.63 earned-run average
He was taken in the third round of the 2021 Draft by the Padres and age 26 could be in line for a call up to San Diego’s 40-man roster. That step would be needed before a trip to the Padres could happen.
Still, Tuesday’s promotion suggests the former Razorbacks dynamo could have a Major League future after all.
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