White Sox GM Chris Getz provided an encouraging update on Kyle Teel’s recovery and revealed when the catcher could return from his ankle injury.
As promised, the Chicago White Sox added a catcher at the MLB trade deadline. Though dealing Duncan Davitt, whom they had already designated for assignment, to the Atlanta Braves for Joey Bart was probably a smaller move than most White Sox fans had in mind.
A few things became abundantly clear from Chicago's approach at the deadline. The team was unwilling to part with its top prospects, and the organization's best hope of getting production from the catching position is a speedy return from Kyle Teel.
Teel last played on July 20 and appeared in only 19 games this season before once again landing on the IL, this time with an ankle sprain. The initial outlook was a dreary one, with early indications suggesting that Teel could miss the remainder of the regular season. As time has passed, however, Teel has recovered quickly, and the most recent update from the White Sox provided a clearer recovery timeline.
Given the circumstances, it turns out to be the best news possible.
While speaking with the media following his deadline trades, White Sox GM Chris Getz expressed confidence that Teel would return and laid out the current timeline the team is working with.
“We're still roughly a couple weeks away. I think September 1st is kind of a rough timeline,” said Getz. “He will be back this season. We’re confident in that.”
Some White Sox fans may not take comfort in hearing Getz refer to Teel's return as “another big boost,” as if it explains why the White Sox decided not to take a bigger shot at the deadline. But there can be no doubt that a catching tandem of Kyle Teel and Joey Bart would be a significant upgrade over Edgar Quero and Drew Romo, which is what the White Sox have operated with for most of the 2026 season.
Even if it takes three weeks from the time of Getz's comments for Teel to get back on the field, that would put him at August 24. He would likely head to Triple-A Charlotte to begin a rehab assignment. One week in the minor leagues is standard, and that would indeed put Teel on track to return right around the beginning of September.
With 50 games remaining, the White Sox have a 3.0 game lead in the AL Central and a legitimate chance to win the division for the first time since 2021. In order to do it, they'll need all hands on deck.
Both the Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins loaded up on talent at the trade deadline. It's also far too early to write off the Detroit Tigers, even after they moved on from Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize.
Every game matters. By that logic, every day matters when it comes to Kyle Teel's return. Even though he was not at his best and struggled to find consistency with the team this year, the White Sox are undeniably a better group with him on the field. Hearing that his return could come sooner than expected is definitely good news following a rather middling trade deadline for the White Sox.
