The White Sox made some intriguing roster moves just before Opening Day, catching fans off guard by designating Curtis Mead and Korey Lee for assignment. The move involving Lee was particularly surprising, considering his impressive Spring Training performance and the absence of main catcher Kyle Teel due to an injury from the World Baseball Classic.
With Lee out of options, the White Sox had to designate him for assignment, exposing him to waivers and potential interest from other teams. Given the high demand for quality catchers, many expected Lee, who outperforms most backup catchers in the majors, to be snapped up quickly.
Yet, in an unexpected twist, Lee cleared waivers and is now set to join the Charlotte Knights. This development is puzzling, especially since Lee posted a solid .289 average with two homers and six RBIs during Spring Training.
For the White Sox, keeping Lee in the fold is a significant win. His skills as a backup catcher, coupled with his potential to start if needed, make him a valuable asset. Lee’s status as a former first-round pick and top-100 prospect underscores his potential impact.
In 2025, Lee showcased his abilities by hitting .257 with a .333 OBP in 25 major league games, alongside a commendable .255 average with eight homers and 28 RBIs in AAA. His season was marred by injuries, allowing Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero to surpass him on the depth chart. Despite Teel's current injury, the team opted to bring in Reese McGuire to support Quero until Teel's return.
Lee is known for having one of the best pop times in the majors, making his retention a strategic advantage for the White Sox. Should he start strong with the bat, Lee could find his way back to Chicago, especially if McGuire doesn’t meet expectations.