GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Chicago White Sox catchers have shown impressive offensive production during the first three games of spring training, raising excitement as the 2026 season approaches. Edgar Quero spring training performances have been especially noteworthy as the team aims to strengthen its lineup and defensive corps.
In the opening game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park, Korey Lee went 3-for-4 while serving as designated hitter. The next day at Camelback Ranch, Edgar Quero recorded three hits and drove in four runs facing the Oakland Athletics. Meanwhile, Kyle Teel, although yet to notch a hit, contributed by drawing three walks and scoring twice in his two games played so far.
Manager Highlights Catcher Contributions on Both Offense and Defense
White Sox manager Will Venable praised the catchers for their dual contributions behind the plate and at bat. Before Sunday’s 5-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, Venable remarked on their defensive strengths, calling their work “awesome to see,” and emphasizing excitement both for their offensive profiles and early defensive efforts.
Overall, just really good defensively for the catchers.
The three catchers, Quero, Teel, and Lee, have all made one start in the initial Cactus League games as the team evaluates their roles for the coming season.
Rookie Synergy and Leadership Among Catchers
Quero and Teel were significant contributors last year, splitting most of the catching duties as rookies. Lee rejoined the roster from Triple-A Charlotte in August, bolstering the catching options. With all three vying for playing time, team dynamics have been crucial.
Kyle Teel spoke about the mutual reliance within the group, acknowledging leadership roles and different strengths among the catchers.
I think all three of the catchers, all of us lean on each other in different ways,
Teel said.
Korey is the older one in the group. We lean on him for certain things, whether it’s routine-wise or stuff like that. And then (Quero) can really back pick. So we talked to him about that.
Edgar Quero Focuses on Improving Defensive Skills
Quero has made it a priority during the offseason to enhance his pitch framing, an important defensive skill for catchers. After Saturday’s game, he expressed confidence in his progress while providing an update on his efforts.
Trying to do my best to do a great job behind the plate,
Quero said on February 16.
Quero led the White Sox with 66 starts at catcher last season after being promoted from Charlotte on April 17. He demonstrated his defensive prowess Saturday by throwing out Darell Hernaiz on a stolen base attempt, a moment he described as thrilling.
Just see the ball and try to be quick. I made a perfect throw. It’s just trying to catch the ball and throw it as fast as I can. I think with that throw, we can get anyone out. With another throw, he’s going to be safe.
He also correctly challenged a call during the game, which was overturned after video review, turning a borderline pitch into a strikeout.
That pitch was really, really nasty,
Quero remarked.
Offensive Ambitions and Statistical Overview for Quero
At the plate, Quero’s spring training included two singles and a double. He expressed a desire to continue improving his hitting, particularly by driving the ball more in the air as the new season unfolds.
I need to keep working,
he said.
It’s just the first game (Saturday), I’m going to go out and keep working on stuff, especially loading my hips.
Last year, Quero posted a .268/.333/.356 slash line, accumulating 17 doubles, five home runs, and 36 RBIs over 111 games in total. His offensive output and defensive reliability make him a promising asset for the White Sox moving forward.
Kyle Teel Builds on Previous Experience and Prepares for World Baseball Classic
Kyle Teel, who delivered a .273/.375/.411 line with 11 doubles, eight home runs, and 35 RBIs in 78 games last season, is focusing on expanding his experience. Since joining the White Sox from Charlotte on June 6, Teel made 57 starts at catcher.
The biggest (takeaway from 2025) is just having experience playing in the big leagues, just what was my routine? What do I have to do every day? What do I need to stay healthy? It’s just all those little things that you only know until you get there,
Teel said.
Aside from preparing for the MLB season, Teel is also set to join Team Italy for the World Baseball Classic, beginning his participation on March 1.
I feel great,
he reported.
Body is healthy. I did start ramping up a little bit earlier when I was at home. But when it comes to the work we’re getting here, we’re getting a ton already. I feel ready.
Teel’s flexibility was evident as he switched between catching and designated hitter roles during the opening games, sharing duties with Korey Lee.
Korey Lee Reflects on Last Season’s Challenges and Current Outlook
Korey Lee, who appeared in 26 games in 2025, faced setbacks including an ankle sprain that placed him on the injured list from April 10 to May 27 and a demotion to Charlotte in June before returning in August. Despite these hurdles, his presence has enabled Quero and Teel to be more consistently featured together in the lineup with alternating positions behind the plate and at DH.
Lee shared insights from last year about overcoming adversity and personal growth.
Learned how to deal with injury, learned how to deal with getting back down, getting back up, not doing a whole lot,
Lee said.
Learned myself, learned how to kind of navigate my time, learned how to be the best player I can be, even though when that stuff’s happening I have no control over it and just controlling what I can control.
Returning to full health, Lee is embracing every moment this spring training offers.
This thing goes really fast,
he said.
You never know when it’s going to be the last time, just making every day count and being the best baseball player I can be.
Projecting the Impact of Catchers on the Upcoming Season
The strong start shown by Edgar Quero, Kyle Teel, and Korey Lee in the early stages of spring training signals a competitive and hopeful outlook behind the plate for the White Sox. Their combination of youth, experience, and growth potential is key to the team’s strategy.
Manager Will Venable’s emphasis on their defensive skills along with offensive contributions underlines the balanced approach the White Sox want to take with these catchers. Watching how these three players continue to develop and integrate in the regular season will be crucial for Chicago’s ambitions in 2026.
