As pitchers and catchers prepare to report this week, the White Sox are heading into Spring Training with something they haven’t had in a while: clarity behind the plate. While plenty of questions still linger across the roster, catcher isn’t one of them. Between Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero, Chicago has a pair of young, talented backstops who are not only holding it down now, but offering real hope for the future.
Let’s break down the state of the catching corps as camp approaches - and why fans should be feeling good about this position heading into 2026.
Kyle Teel: A Bat with Patience and Presence
At 23 years old, Kyle Teel is already showing the kind of polish you don’t always see in young catchers. His 2025 stat line - .273/.375/.411 - tells a story of a hitter who doesn’t just swing with intent, but understands the strike zone and how to work an at-bat.
That on-base percentage jumps off the page. It’s not just about raw power with Teel (though there’s enough of that to keep pitchers honest); it’s about approach, discipline, and the ability to produce runs in key spots.
But Teel’s value extends beyond the batter’s box. Behind the plate, he’s quickly becoming a trusted presence for the pitching staff.
He’s shown poise, leadership, and the kind of energy that can set the tone for a clubhouse. The defense still needs to tighten up - that’s part of the natural development curve - but the White Sox clearly believe in his long-term potential.
Despite external interest, the organization has made it clear: Teel is staying put.
There’s a reason fans are excited. A left-handed hitting catcher with offensive upside and a leadership mentality?
That’s a rare combo. And Teel’s still just getting started.
Edgar Quero: The Young Gun with Big Upside
Then there’s Edgar Quero, who turned heads in 2025 as the youngest player on the White Sox roster for much of the season. At just 22, the Cuban-born catcher already carries himself like a veteran. He led all Sox catchers in games played last year, and that wasn’t by accident - manager Will Venable clearly trusts him to handle the pitching staff and manage the game from behind the dish.
Offensively, Quero showed flashes of what could become a well-rounded bat. His feel for the strike zone is advanced for his age, and he pairs that with solid contact skills.
What’s next? Power.
That’s been the focus of his offseason work - adding bat speed and unlocking more pop. If that power comes, we’re talking about a potential everyday catcher with both offensive and defensive value.
Expect Quero to continue seeing plenty of action in 2026. The White Sox are giving him every opportunity to grow into the role, and he’s earning that trust.
Korey Lee: The Veteran Safety Net
While Teel and Quero are the headliners, Korey Lee still plays a role in this catching picture. The 25-year-old brings experience and stability, capable of stepping in for spot starts or handling a heavier load if needed. He’s not the long-term answer, but he’s a valuable depth piece - and there’s something to be said for having a steady hand in the dugout.
The wrinkle here is Lee’s roster status. He’s out of minor league options, which means the White Sox would have to pass him through waivers to send him to Triple-A - a risky move if they want to keep him in the organization. Don’t be surprised if the team carries three catchers early on to avoid losing him.
A Position of Strength
For a team still figuring out its identity in other areas, catcher is a position the White Sox can feel confident about. With Teel and Quero, they have two young, controllable players with complementary skill sets and serious upside.
Teel brings the advanced bat and leadership. Quero offers youth, growth potential, and a high baseball IQ.
Together, they give the White Sox flexibility and stability behind the plate - and that’s a luxury in today’s game.
Spring Training is about to get underway, and while battles for roster spots will unfold across the diamond, the catcher position already has a clear direction. The Sox are in good hands - and gloves - behind the plate.