White Sox Consider Future Flexibility Amid Catching Trio Evaluation
The Chicago White Sox are navigating a crucial juncture as they evaluate their catching trio: Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero, and Korey Lee. General manager Chris Getz has expressed that the catcher position may hold the most significance on the field, making the current scenario of having three catchers both a luxury and a potential challenge moving forward.
Teel and Quero’s Impressive Performances
This season has seen Kyle Teel emerge as a standout. Among catchers with at least 250 plate appearances, he boasts a remarkable .381 on-base percentage, ranking second, just behind three-time All-Star Will Smith. Furthermore, Teel’s 130 wRC+ places him fourth in the league, showcasing his offensive prowess. Meanwhile, Edgar Quero, in his rookie season, has also made a strong impression, tying with Teel for sixth among catchers with a solid .275 batting average.
The White Sox have increasingly started to utilize both Teel and Quero in the same lineup, particularly after recalling Korey Lee from Triple-A Charlotte. Lee’s presence offers the team a safety net against in-game injuries and provides pinch-hitting options, which was a significant concern previously when the team hesitated to start both Teel and Quero.
The Sustainability of Three Catchers
Despite the current success of this three-catcher arrangement, Getz acknowledges that it may not be a long-term solution. “The tandem we’ve rolled with, Teel and Quero, it’s really comforting to know that we not only have two but we have three young catchers here,” he stated. “How it’s going to play out is yet to be seen.” The emphasis on building catching depth is not only about internal development but also about recognizing the value such depth holds across the league.
A pressing issue is that Korey Lee will be out of options next season. This means that he cannot be sent down to the minors without first clearing waivers, presenting a logistical challenge. Lee’s struggles at the plate, with a career batting average of just .193 over 530 Major League plate appearances, further complicate his situation.
Flexibility and Potential Position Changes
Getz has hinted at the possibility of repurposing some of these players to enhance the team’s overall flexibility. “When players run out of options and you’re trying to maintain as much flexibility as you can, you don’t want to lose that flexibility,” he explained. While there’s recognition of the importance of maintaining depth at the catcher position, the looming question remains: can these players adapt to other roles?
In a recent game, Lee played left field in what manager Will Venable termed an emergency situation. Although he hadn’t played the outfield since 2022, Lee has been working with coaches to improve his skills. He made a notable sliding catch and displayed a strong arm, but also struggled with a dropped fly ball, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from catcher to outfielder.
Getz and Venable have remained committed to developing Teel and Quero as catchers, making clear that any positional changes for these rookies are not on the immediate horizon. Teel has seen brief action in left field, but only under emergency circumstances.
Looking Ahead
Getz has articulated a broader vision, suggesting that the term “repurpose” might indicate a potential trade rather than a shift in position. “They’re certainly athletic enough,” he remarked, acknowledging Teel’s history of playing various positions in college. Despite Lee’s athleticism and versatility, Getz hinted that a regular role in the outfield or infield might be unlikely.
As the White Sox assess their roster and consider ways to enhance the team’s performance, the depth at the catching position remains a pivotal topic. The future may hold changes, but for now, the organization feels secure with its trio behind the plate. The challenge will be balancing individual player development with the overarching goal of flexibility as they prepare for the seasons to come.
