White Sox Prospect Watch: Catching Prospect Kyle Teel Making a Strong Case for Early MLB Call-Up

Top White Sox catching prospect heating up in Triple-A as Chicago eyes a potential spark behind the plate

In the early days of the 2025 season, few players have made as immediate an impact in the Minor Leagues as Kyle Teel. The 23-year-old catcher, acquired as the centerpiece of the White Sox’s offseason trade that sent Garrett Crochet to Boston, is already showing the South Side faithful why he could be their future behind the plate.

Through his first three games with Triple-A Charlotte, Teel is an offensive force, going 6-for-12 with two home runs, quickly erasing any doubts about how soon he might be ready for the Major Leagues. And while no call-up date has been set, the buzz around his name grows louder with every swing.

A Rising Star in a New System

Teel arrived in Chicago’s system with high expectations. Ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 White Sox prospect, behind only Noah Schultz, Teel is now firmly ahead of fellow catching prospect Edgar Quero in the organizational depth chart.

White Sox prospect Kyle Teel is GOING OFF to start 2025

In two games, he’s 5-for-9 with two homers and eight RBI 😳 pic.twitter.com/lpltQC9k3y

— MLB (@MLB) March 30, 2025

It’s not just his bat that’s making noise. After being drafted 14th overall by the Red Sox in 2023, Teel made an immediate impact across all levels of the Minors. He posted a .288/.386/.433 slash line over 112 games in 2024, with 13 home runs and 23 doubles, splitting his time between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester. His 134 wRC+ and solid defensive metrics earned him a promotion to the highest level of the Minors by season’s end.

Now with Charlotte, he’s picked up right where he left off.

Patience or Opportunity?

While Teel’s performance screams readiness, several factors will determine how quickly he dons a White Sox uniform:

• Performance: His torrid start to 2025 could force the front office’s hand, especially if the team struggles offensively or behind the plate.

• Roster Needs: An injury or slump at the Major League level might create the perfect opening for Teel’s debut.

• Service Time Considerations: The White Sox could delay his promotion slightly to gain an extra year of contractual control, a common strategy with top prospects.

• Team Outlook: If Chicago finds itself in contention early, they may accelerate Teel’s arrival to maximize their chances.

If you’re the White Sox, why not call up Kyle Teel and let him get his feet wet while Korey Lee is out?@AJPierzynski12 can’t seem to make sense of the situation… pic.twitter.com/kc3zztCUls

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) April 10, 2025

Tools of a Future Star

Teel is more than just a hot bat. His defense has been a standout trait since his college days at Virginia, where he emerged as one of the nation’s top catchers. In 2024, he recorded a .985 fielding percentage, with 11 ed balls in over 650 innings. His blocking and receiving skills are advanced for his age, and his game-calling continues to mature.

Offensively, Teel’s power from the left side of the plate is a weapon. He pulls the ball just under 45% of the time but shows the ability to adjust and spray hits across the field. During Spring Training, he flashed that potential again, hitting .294/.429/.706 in limited action, with three of his five hits going for extra bases.

A Matter of Time

For now, Teel will continue to hone his craft in Charlotte, but it feels like only a matter of time before the White Sox make the call. If early signs are any indication, that moment may come sooner rather than later.

Whether prompted by injury, need, or simply undeniable talent, Kyle Teel’s rise is inevitable. And when he arrives, he won’t just be filling a spot — he’ll be setting the tone for a new era behind the plate in Chicago.