CHICAGO — In a welcome highlight amid a rebuilding season, the Chicago White Sox introduced one of their top prospects, Kyle Teel, to the big leagues on Friday — and the 23-year-old catcher made a strong first impression both on and off the field.
From Trade Piece To Major League Debut
Teel, who was acquired in December from the Boston Red Sox as part of the Garrett Crochet trade, stepped into the spotlight at Guaranteed Rate Field during a 7–2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on June 6, 2025.
In his major league debut, Teel:
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Walked twice
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Singled to left field in the fourth inning for his first MLB hit
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Scored on a wild pitch during the eighth inning
He also tried to steal home in the second inning but was caught, ending the frame.
A Shirt For The Show
Teel’s promotion came with a personal twist. When fellow prospect Chase Meidroth (also acquired in the same deal) was called up earlier this year, Teel gifted him a collared shirt for the occasion.
This time, it was Charlotte Knights manager Sergio Santos who returned the gesture — handing Teel a new collared shirt when delivering the call-up news.
“It’s a tradition of sorts,” Teel joked during postgame remarks. “You gotta look the part when you walk into a major league clubhouse.”
Teel’s Road To The Show
Before his call-up, Teel was posting impressive numbers at Triple-A Charlotte, batting:
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.295 average
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8 home runs
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30 RBIs in 50 games
Originally drafted 14th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft out of the University of Virginia, Teel’s progression has been closely watched by White Sox leadership and fans alike.
Roster Moves To Make Room
The White Sox made several roster adjustments to accommodate Teel’s debut:
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Catcher Korey Lee was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte
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Right-hander Ryan Cusick was designated for assignment
Lee, who had just returned from a sprained ankle on May 27, was batting .250 (7-for-28) over 14 games with Chicago this season.
A Glimpse Of Hope For A Team In Transition
The White Sox, currently sitting at the bottom of the AL Central, see Teel’s debut as a symbolic and practical step forward.
“This is what the rebuild is about — giving our top young talent the opportunity to lead,” said a White Sox spokesperson.
With more prospects likely to follow, Teel’s rise may offer fans a spark of optimism as the team pushes through a difficult year.
Have you been following Kyle Teel’s rise through the minors? Do you think he’s the answer behind the plate for the White Sox? Let us know your thoughts in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
