The Chicago White Sox find themselves in a unique and somewhat enviable position: they have not one, but two highly promising young catchers who could anchor their lineup for years to come. But here's where it gets controversial: with Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero both vying for playing time, what happens to the team’s third catcher, Korey Lee? This question has sparked debates among fans and analysts alike, as the Sox navigate a delicate balance between developing their young talent and maximizing roster flexibility. Let’s dive into the details and explore why this situation is far more complex than it seems at first glance.
Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero emerged as standout prospects last season, each showcasing their potential during their rookie campaigns. Teel, in particular, turned heads after his early June call-up, posting an impressive .273/.375/.411 slash line across his first 78 MLB games. Quero wasn’t far behind, batting .268/.333/.356 over 111 contests. Their performances were so compelling that other teams inquired about trading for one of them during the offseason. However, those talks never gained traction, and now both players appear set to start the season with the White Sox.
This leaves Korey Lee, a former first-round pick, in a precarious position. Lee exhausted his final minor league option in 2025, meaning the Sox must keep him on the MLB roster or risk losing him. Meanwhile, Teel and Quero still have options remaining, though neither is in danger of being sent down. The question now is: how will the Sox manage their catching trio while also addressing their broader roster needs?
Manager Will Venable offered some insight during a recent press conference. ‘I think it really is going to take care of itself,’ he told reporters, including Scott Merkin of MLB.com and LaMond Pope of The Chicago Tribune. Venable outlined a strategy that leverages the strengths of both Teel and Quero. Teel, a left-handed hitter, excels against right-handed pitching, slashing .290/.388/.448 in those matchups. Quero, a switch-hitter, performs significantly better from the right side, batting .357/.394/.457 against lefties. As a result, the Sox plan to use Quero more frequently behind the plate when facing left-handed starters, giving Teel a break in those situations. However, Venable was quick to clarify that this won’t be a strict platoon system, as the team aims to avoid pigeonholing either player so early in their careers.
And this is the part most people miss: Quero’s versatility as a designated hitter (DH) adds another layer to the Sox’s strategy. When Teel is catching against righties, Quero can slide into the DH role, providing the team with additional offensive firepower. But what does this mean for Korey Lee? Most teams prefer a four-man bench and are reluctant to carry three catchers. However, having Lee on the roster could offer Venable valuable in-game flexibility. For instance, if the Sox want to pinch-hit for Teel against a tough lefty reliever, Lee could step in behind the plate, allowing Quero to remain in the game as the DH. Without Lee, moving Quero to catcher would forfeit the DH spot, limiting the team’s options.
Lee’s situation is further complicated by his limited MLB experience. He appeared in just 25 games last season, tallying only 40 plate appearances. While his Triple-A numbers were solid (.255/.313/.405), his big league stats leave much to be desired (.193/.234/.321). Defensively, Lee has a strong arm and a reputation for working well with pitchers, though Statcast has been less favorable in evaluating his pitch-framing skills. Despite these question marks, Lee’s potential value to other teams cannot be overlooked. If the Sox attempt to pass him through waivers, there’s a good chance another club would claim him.
Here’s where the controversy deepens: could the Sox find a trade partner for Lee? The Padres, who reportedly showed interest in him last summer, ultimately acquired Freddy Fermin instead. However, with their catching depth thinning due to injuries, San Diego might reconsider. Another potential suitor could be Lee’s former team, the Houston Astros, who lost Victor Caratini to free agency. The Rays, Rockies, and Mariners could also be in the market for a backup catcher. But would the Sox be willing to part with Lee, or do they see him as a crucial piece of their roster puzzle?
As the season approaches, the White Sox face a critical decision: keep Lee as a third catcher for added flexibility, or trade him to address other needs? There’s no easy answer, and opinions are sure to vary. What do you think? Is Korey Lee worth holding onto, or should the Sox explore a trade? Let us know in the comments below, and join the debate as we watch this fascinating roster situation unfold.
