MESA, Ariz. -- Michael Kopech isn’t trying to be cocky, but the right-hander has no concern regarding his raw stuff.

That confidence was on display Friday against the Cubs, when he topped out at 98 mph with his fastball over two scoreless innings in a 10-6 loss at Sloan Park. Kopech's biggest fight, though, is in the mindset and strike-throwing categories.

“I’m always going to kind of be the guy who is trying to battle myself a little bit and stay in the zone, because if I stay in the zone, I think I have stuff that plays against anybody in the league,” Kopech said. “With that being said, it feels like it’s there.

“It’s there early right now. Hopefully I can continue to build off that and go into the season with a pretty good arsenal.”

Kopech had a rough 2023 season, overall, but after a decent first half (4.08 ERA in 16 starts), he endured a struggle-filled second half where he posted an 8.10 ERA over 14 appearances (11 starts). One or two walks would inevitably turn into a big inning, Kopech unable to stop the situation from escalating.

So, even after he hit Nick Madrigal and walked Seiya Suzuki to open Friday's start, Kopech's Cactus League debut featured some good signs as far as control and mental fortitude.

After putting Madrigal and Suzuki on base, Kopech went 3-2 on Michael Busch, one of six full-counts he worked himself into, before getting Busch looking. From there, Kopech struck out Yan Gomes on three pitches and Miles Mastrobuoni swinging on a 3-2 fastball. Kopech threw 15 of his 29 pitches for strikes in the first, while in the second, he tossed 11 of his 17 pitches for strikes. He struck out both Pete Crow-Armstrong and Owen Caissie, giving Kopech five punchouts to one walk and one hit-by-pitch.

“With two runners on and no outs, it’s easy to let that escalate,” Kopech said. “Getting that under control and taking back control of the game and the tempo of the game is a huge plus for me, especially in my first one. Hopefully we can feed off that a little bit.

“I felt a little tight there early on. Once I got used to being out there in front of everybody again, things took care of themselves.”

The cutter, a new pitch for Kopech, was used fairly liberally Friday. Kopech used it more than his slider, which he threw 27.2 percent of the time in 2023. Along with being in top-notch physical condition, Kopech is in a good mental place and primed for a big ‘24 season.

“I’m fortunate to have four little ones. Beautiful wife … and I’m in a pretty good head space,” Kopech said. “We have an opportunity to do something pretty special with this club as far as changing things around and I think that’s already happened.”

“Just really seeing his body work, seeing the physicality that he came in with,” manager Pedro Grifol said. “He’s in really good shape. He’s strong as hell. Just want to watch him compete.”

Lineup seconds

Grifol likes Yoán Moncada in the second spot of his batting order. Moncada feels comfortable in that spot. But nothing is given, according to Grifol.

“He’s one of our best bunters. He’s one of our best hit-and-run guys, and everyone knows the ability he has from both sides of the plate,” Grifol said. “What I did tell him is this: I like consistency in the lineup, even though I’ll shake it up this year if I have to.

“I don’t like interrupting the rhythm of the lineup with your main guys. So what does that mean? You gotta play. You gotta give us games. So, he knows it. He wants it. He’s gotta go take it. I’m not going to hand it to him.”

Third to first

The White Sox have agreed to terms on 2024 contracts with 22 players. Right-hander Jimmy Lambert ($759,250), first baseman/outfielder Gavin Sheets ($756,950) and left-hander Tanner Banks ($755,050) were the top three salaries of the group.

NC Dinos of the Korean Baseball Organization will play a B-game against the White Sox on the back fields of Camelback Ranch on Saturday morning, with the White Sox using Minor League pitchers. The White Sox also have B-games scheduled on Monday and Thursday.