The Chicago White Sox expected Edgar Quero to take another step forward in 2026. What they may not have expected is how quickly he would start forcing a bigger conversation about his role.
The 22-year-old catcher has been one of the standout performers in White Sox camp this spring, and his early surge is beginning to challenge the team’s original plans for the catching position.
Just weeks ago, manager Will Venable suggested that fellow catcher Kyle Teel would likely receive the bulk of the everyday workload.
A Platoon Plan… for Now
Speaking earlier in camp, Venable hinted that Teel could handle most of the regular catching duties while Quero filled a more situational role.
“We do view Teel as an everyday guy,” Venable said when discussing how the team might distribute playing time.
But Venable also acknowledged the realities of the position.
“At catcher, everyday doesn’t really mean everyday. It’s a demanding role. Edgar is a guy we like the bat against lefties, so there’s DH opportunities for him.”
The logic behind that approach made sense based on Quero’s 2025 splits.
Against right-handed pitching, he struggled:
- .220 average
- .301 OBP
- .301 slugging
- .602 OPS
Against left-handers, however, he looked like a completely different hitter:
- .357 average
- .394 OBP
- .457 slugging
- .852 OPS
Those numbers suggested a natural platoon advantage, especially for a young catcher still adjusting to the major leagues.
Offseason Work Paying Off
Quero spent the offseason trying to address those weaknesses.
He trained at Driveline, a well-known performance lab, focusing on increasing bat speed and improving his launch angle. The goal was to add power and become more dangerous against right-handed pitching.
Early returns suggest the adjustments might already be working.
A Red-Hot Start
Through his first five spring training games, Quero has been nearly unstoppable at the plate.
He’s currently hitting:
- 9-for-17 (.529)
- 1 home run
- 2 doubles
- 1 walk
Even more encouraging for the White Sox, six of those hits have come against right-handed pitching — the exact area where he struggled last season.
Spring training numbers always come with a small-sample warning label, but the quality of Quero’s contact has been difficult to ignore.
Defensive Growth Too
Offensively, Quero’s development has been the headline. But he has also shown encouraging signs defensively.
White Sox fans already saw flashes of his strong throwing arm during his rookie season in 2025. That tool has continued to stand out this spring.
Additionally, the new ABS challenge system could help offset some of his struggles with pitch framing, reducing the defensive pressure that often weighs on young catchers.
A Good Problem for Chicago
If Quero’s breakout continues into the regular season, the White Sox could suddenly find themselves with an enviable situation.
Having two young, capable catchers — Quero and Teel — would give Chicago flexibility both behind the plate and in the lineup.
Few teams enjoy that kind of depth at such a physically demanding position.
For now, it’s still early in camp. But Quero’s performance has already created a conversation the White Sox may not have expected to have this soon.
And if he keeps swinging like this, the idea of limiting him to a platoon role may quickly become impossible.
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