Edgar Quero’s Hot Spring Start Ignites White Sox Hopes

Edgar Quero is off to a striking start in spring training, showcasing exceptional hitting skills that have energized the Chicago White Sox’s outlook for the upcoming MLB season. During Sunday’s game at Sloan Park in Glendale, Arizona, Quero homered on a fastball from Cubs starter Shota Imanaga, helping the White Sox secure a 5-1 victory. His strong spring hitting has quickly captured attention, with Quero batting .529 through five games.

Manager Praises Quero’s Work Ethic and On-Field Performance

White Sox manager Will Venable highlighted Quero’s consistent at-bats and defensive improvements, underscoring the catcher’s offseason dedication. Venable remarked on Quero’s extensive offseason training, which bolstered both his physical strength and skill set.

“Edgar, for me, has picked up right where he left off as far as his quality of at-bats at the plate,”

Venable said, adding,

“Really proud of him and it’s showing up in game.”

Venable also emphasized Quero’s defensive growth, specifically his framing abilities, which have improved substantially.

Quero’s Approach Evolves with Runners on Base

Quero’s impact has been especially significant in clutch situations. Entering Monday tied for the major-league lead in spring training RBIs with nine, he described a shift in mindset when there are runners in scoring position.

“With guys in scoring position, my mind changes a little bit,”

Quero explained,

“I feel like I’m more aggressive. I’m the hitter that I like hitting with people on base. Maybe that changes my mind a little bit. Feel pretty good.”

He added,

“More aggressive, trying to do more damage, too. I know, my mindset changes a little bit. I like when people are on base.”

This aggressive approach has fueled his early success at the plate.

Significant Changes at the Plate Contribute to Improved Contact

Quero credits offseason adjustments for his enhanced hitting, specifically improvements in hip movement that have increased his bat speed and ability to square up fastballs.

“I made a lot of changes (at the plate) in the offseason, especially with my hips,”

Quero stated,

“That helped me to be more square to hit the ball, especially the fastball. My bat speed is a little up right now, that’s why I’m making better contact, trying to hit the ball more hard, too.”

Manager Venable confirmed that Quero has gained notable strength over the offseason, joking that Quero claims to have increased his speed as well.

“He’ll tell you he’s faster. Not sure how true that is. But we are going to find out.”

Quero Looks to Build on Solid Rookie Season

Last year, Quero compiled a .268/.333/.356 slash line with five home runs and 36 RBIs across 111 games during his rookie season. Reflecting on his 2025 performance, Quero acknowledged room for growth.

“It was an OK year for me, especially knowing myself, that I could do a little bit more,”

he noted.

“I’m ready for this season, I think I can do a little better.”

His promising spring has served as a confirmation of the offseason effort he invested.

“I feel pretty good because it was a pretty good offseason for me, working hard,”

Quero said.

“Especially in the framing part, too, the defense is pretty good right now. I feel so happy for that. Just keep working hard.”

Rotation at Catcher and Playing Time Decisions This Spring

This spring training, Edgar Quero, Kyle Teel, and Korey Lee have been sharing catching duties, with Teel recently joining Team Italy for the World Baseball Classic. Venable discussed how the White Sox plan to distribute playing time among the catchers and designates hitters.

“I think it really is going to take care of itself,”

he said, referring to the position sharing strategy. Venable explained that Teel, a left-handed hitter, is preferred for catching against right-handed pitching, while Quero, a switch-hitter, offers versatility, including the ability to serve as designated hitter (DH).

“We know that Edgar (a switch hitter) can DH. We’ll have a couple of guys who will fill that DH spot versus right-handed pitching. We like Edgar catching against the lefties. It doesn’t have to be a straight platoon. We don’t view it like that.”

Venable added that the catching position’s demands allow for ample opportunities among these players and the DH spot provides flexibility.

“It will all take care of itself.”

Updates on White Sox Roster and Player Health

Luisangel Acuña returned to the lineup on Monday, batting second and playing center field. This marked his first game since suffering a cut above his left eyebrow during a steal attempt last Wednesday, which required four stitches. Meanwhile, outfielder Andrew Benintendi remains sidelined with right side soreness but is progressing in his recovery. Venable shared,

“He’s swinging today, running around today. He could probably play if it wasn’t March 2. A couple of more days and get him back out there.”

The Broader Implications for the White Sox Season

Edgar Quero’s strong start to the spring offers the White Sox a glimpse of a potentially impactful offensive force behind the plate, bolstered by his improved defense and aggressive approach with runners on base. With manager Will Venable’s endorsement and the promising development of catcher competition, the team’s catching depth appears solid heading into the regular season. Quero’s ongoing progress signals a valuable asset for Chicago as they aim for success in a competitive league environment. The combination of individual improvements and healthy competition for playing time positions the White Sox catchers to contribute meaningfully.