Gaining over 20 pounds this offseason, the young catcher is poised to unleash his full offensive potential for the White Sox in 2026.
Chicago White Sox fans saw their first glimpse of catcher Kyle Teel in 2025.
Teel was part of the package that sent him to Chicago in exchange for left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet last offseason. Since he was the main piece of that deal, there is some pressure on him to perform.
And Teel showed some nice things once he was called up to the Majors in early June.
The 23-year-old hit .273 with eight home runs, 11 doubles, 35 RBI, and three stolen bases across 78 games for the White Sox in 2025. Although he struggled in the final month of the season (.237 average), it was a successful rookie campaign for Teel.
He had a .337 xwOBA, a 47.8% launch angle sweet-spot rate, didn’t chase many pitches outside the zone, and took his walks when he needed. Teel ranked in the upper half of the league in both chase rate (23.6%) and walk rate (12.5%).
Following a solid rookie campaign, big things could be in store for Teel in Year 2. He now has one year under his belt and will look like a slightly new hitter when he steps into the box this season.
Teel told reporters at SoxFest on Friday night that he put on over 20 pounds this offseason. After weighing 190 pounds at the end of the 2025 season, the White Sox catcher will enter Spring Training at 212 pounds.
“Just training every day,” Teel said. “I started hitting December 10, and I’ve just been rolling. I’m just trying to eat 5,000 calories a day. So, a lot of protein shakes. Been going to my godfather’s deli a lot. Just trying to put it all together.”
With Teel in the “best shape of his life,” the young catcher has the potential to break out for the White Sox in 2026. Those 20 extra pounds are a big deal, and that added muscle could help him reach new heights offensively this year.
Teel wasn’t really known as a power-hitter during his Minor League career, with only one season launching double-digit home runs. The added muscle, though, could help him in the power department this season.
White Sox fans should be excited to see what Teel can do throughout 2026. It will be his first full season in the Majors, and he has the tools to put up solid all-around offensive numbers. There’s no doubt he was hard at work trying to improve his game this offseason.
Teel will also be playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. That will be another good test for the up-and-coming catcher.