With Opening Day less than two weeks away, the Chicago White Sox had largely avoided serious health issues throughout spring training. Early injuries to Everson Pereira and Andrew Benintendi briefly raised concerns, but both players have since returned to action.
However, the injury landscape changed quickly this week.
Catcher Kyle Teel strained his hamstring during Team Italy’s upset victory over Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. The injury is expected to sideline him for two to four weeks, meaning he could miss the start of the regular season.
At the same time, outfielder Brooks Baldwin is dealing with inflammation in his right elbow, creating additional uncertainty in the White Sox outfield.
Those two developments could create early-season opportunities for several players battling for roster spots.
Here are three players who could benefit the most.
Edgar Quero could step into starting catcher role
The most obvious beneficiary of Teel’s injury is Edgar Quero.
Even before the injury, the 22-year-old catcher was expected to receive regular playing time. Some of those at-bats likely would have come at designated hitter, allowing both catchers to remain active in the lineup.
Now, Quero is expected to handle four or five starts per week behind the plate until Teel returns.
Quero showed flashes during his rookie season but struggled to consistently generate power. During the offseason, he focused on improving bat speed and launch angle, and early spring results have been encouraging.
This extended opportunity could allow Quero to establish himself as a bigger part of the White Sox’ future.
Curtis Mead may have new life in roster battle
Just a few weeks ago, Curtis Mead appeared to be on the outside looking in for a roster spot.
The infielder left White Sox camp to represent Team Australia in the World Baseball Classic, and at the time he seemed like a long shot to break camp with the major league team. Chicago still had Lenyn Sosa on the roster, and it appeared likely the club would keep him over Mead.
However, the injuries to Teel and Baldwin have changed the situation.
With the designated hitter spot potentially opening up, Sosa could receive more playing time there. That shift would leave an additional bench role available for another infielder, creating a possible path for Mead to make the roster.
Mead also helped his case by delivering strong moments at the WBC, including a three-run home run for Australia earlier in the tournament.
If he carries that momentum back to camp, the White Sox could give him another opportunity to unlock the potential they saw when they originally acquired him.
Jarred Kelenic’s chances suddenly improving
Another player who could benefit from Baldwin’s injury is Jarred Kelenic.
The former top prospect joined the White Sox this offseason as a non-roster invite, meaning he initially needed a strong spring to earn a role in the outfield.
While Kelenic has produced impressive exit velocity numbers and solid defense, the actual results at the plate have been inconsistent.
Still, Baldwin’s elbow issue may open a path for him.
If Baldwin begins the season on the injured list, the White Sox could have two outfield spots available behind their primary starters. That would leave players like Everson Pereira, Jarred Kelenic, and Derek Hill competing for those roles.
The coaching staff has spoken highly of Pereira this spring, making him likely to secure one spot. Kelenic can still be optioned to the minors, while Hill cannot, which complicates the decision.
However, the White Sox may prefer Kelenic’s upside over keeping a veteran depth option.
Injuries reshape early roster picture
Spring training injuries often reshape roster battles, and the situations involving Kyle Teel and Brooks Baldwin are already doing exactly that.
For players like Quero, Mead, and Kelenic, the unexpected openings could provide a valuable chance to prove they belong in Chicago.
Whether they seize those opportunities may go a long way toward determining the early direction of the White Sox’ 2026 season. ⚾
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