As the Chicago White Sox prepare for the 2026 season, they face a challenging choice regarding how to allocate playing time behind the plate between two promising young catchers, Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero. Both players have shown major league capability and potential, but splitting time equally could hinder their development, making it uncertain who will become the primary catcher moving forward. The White Sox must navigate this decision carefully while weighing trade possibilities and roster makeup.
General Manager Chris Getz recently confirmed that both Teel and Quero will focus exclusively on catching during the upcoming season, emphasizing the club’s commitment to developing their skills behind the plate.
“Wh Sox GM Chris Getz said both young catchers Edgar Querro and Kyle Teel will work exclusively as catchers this season.” — Bruce Levine, Baseball Insider
Reasons to Retain Edgar Quero on the Roster
Though Kyle Teel is widely viewed as the likely primary catcher for the White Sox in the future, this position has not been firmly decided. Teel produced a commendable rookie season, posting a .273/.375/.411 slash line over 78 games and ranking sixth in WAR on the team. However, he showed defensive vulnerabilities, particularly tied for fourth in the Major Leagues with eight passed balls in less than half a season’s worth of innings.
Edgar Quero, a 22-year-old Cuban catcher acquired in the Giolito trade, had a slightly lower offensive output in his first campaign, recording a .268/.333/.356 slash line. Quero struggled with power, mainly due to launch angle issues that caused many “loud outs,” but the quality of his contact suggests that minor swing adjustments could unlock more power. Defensively, Quero excels in game awareness, leading the league in pickoffs (five), though his framing skills lag behind most MLB catchers.
DON’T SLEEP WHEN EDGAR QUERO’S BEHIND THE PLATE 😤 pic.twitter.com/XtWuWQOMIx
Both catchers exhibit defensive challenges, with Teel struggling with blocking and no standout categories across the board, while Quero’s framing ranks among the lowest in baseball despite his acute instincts. Keeping both players provides the White Sox with flexibility to maximize their offensive contributions and share catching duties efficiently to maintain freshness.
Furthermore, the contrasting strengths of Teel and Quero at the plate offer strategic advantages. Quero boasts a .357 batting average against left-handed pitching, compared to Teel’s .186, indicating scenarios where one can be favored for matchups. This ability to deploy different skills situationally adds depth to the lineup, although the designated hitter position remains competitive with newcomers like Munetaka Murakami and infielders such as Lenyn Sosa, who recently showed greater power and plate discipline.
Arguments Supporting a Possible Trade of Quero
Despite Quero’s notable upside, particularly his potential growth in on-base percentage and power numbers, defensive shortcomings remain a concern. If Chicago’s lineup becomes too crowded or if defensive struggles persist, the organization might consider trading Quero to address other needs.
Two teams that could express interest based on their catching deficiencies are the Tampa Bay Rays and the San Diego Padres. Both clubs experienced underwhelming catcher production in 2025, with Tampa Bay’s catchers posting the lowest OPS in the MLB and San Diego relying on a similarly weak tandem of Elias Díaz and Martín Maldonado.
The Rays could offer MLB-ready pitching talent such as right-hander Brody Hopkins, known for a 97 MPH sinker and a highly rated slider, which could bolster the White Sox’s uncertain starting rotation. Such a transaction might involve additional prospects to balance value. On the other hand, the Padres could provide promising left-handed pitching prospects like Kash Mayfield or Kruz Schoolcraft, both young power-armed pitchers capable of reaching the upper 90s in velocity, though this may require a higher return for Chicago.
Moreover, the White Sox possess catching depth with Korey Lee and Drew Romo, who could potentially fill the void left by Quero. Lee showed promise in his limited appearances last season, and Romo, a former first-round pick, is recognized for exceptional defensive skill despite limited major league exposure.
“With Kyle Teel being the primary catcher in Chicago, if I was a team I’d be all over Edgar Quero.Switch hitter, ++ plate discipline in his career, had a sub 20% K% in his 403 PA this season, and in his last full MiLB season slugged 16 HR in just 98 G.” — Running From The OPS, Baseball Analyst
Determining the Best Path for Chicago’s Catcher Situation
Considering the current roster and prospects, retaining Edgar Quero for the time being appears to be the most prudent option. At 22 years old, Quero still has considerable room to develop and could either emerge as a significant offensive contributor or serve as a valuable trade asset if Kyle Teel fulfills his projected potential as the team’s primary catcher.
For the 2026 season, the White Sox might contemplate adding a third catcher if defensive struggles become a hindrance, possibly promoting either Drew Romo or Korey Lee from Charlotte to provide depth and reinforcement. However, it is unlikely that such a move will be needed for opening day.
Looking further ahead, if it becomes evident that having both players as catchers is untenable, positional adjustments might be considered. Moving Teel to a corner outfield spot makes more sense defensively and developmentally, but shifting him would only be advisable if a clearly superior defensive option surfaces. Preserving his confidence as a starting catcher is vital.
Ultimately, the evolution of this catching tandem will be a key storyline as the White Sox strive for balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term growth. Both players share similar profiles but possess individual strengths that could carve out unique roles within the team’s lineup and defense.
Follow updates and further analysis on Chicago’s roster decisions via our social media @SoxOn35th.
Wh Sox GM Chris Getz said both young catchers Edgar Querro and Kyle Teel will work exclusively as catchers this season.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) February 9, 2026
DON'T SLEEP WHEN EDGAR QUERO'S BEHIND THE PLATE 😤 pic.twitter.com/XtWuWQOMIx
— White Sox on CHSN (@CHSN_WhiteSox) August 2, 2025
With Kyle Teel being the primary catcher in Chicago, if I was a team I’d be all over Edgar Quero.
Switch hitter, ++ plate discipline in his career, had a sub 20% K% in his 403 PA this season, and in his last full MiLB season slugged 16 HR in just 98 G.pic.twitter.com/OnPLNbGZ74
— Running From The OPS (@OPS_BASEBALL) December 17, 2025
