Why White Sox's most important player is their injured .748 OPS catcher
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Why White Sox's most important player is their injured .748 OPS catcher originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The Chicago White Sox are in the middle of a heated race with the Cleveland Guardians for the AL Central division title. They've not won the division since 2021, and securing the title this year, one season after losing 202 games, would be incredible.
Of course, a lot still needs to go their way in September, but at 73-67, they've put themselves in a good spot to win the division. But to do so, they're going to need some help.
That's why CBS Sports' Mike Axisa named injured .748 OPS catcher Kyle Teel as the most important player for the White Sox. Teel, if he could return, could be a massive upgrade over their current catcher options in Chicago.
Why Kyle Teel is most important player for White Sox
"During his absence, the White Sox have received the third-worst catcher production in the sport (29th in WAR) and also some of the worst catcher luck," Axisa writes. "... When he returns, he should give the AL Central-leading ChiSox a major upgrade behind the plate as they head into their first postseason since 2021."
The White Sox have gotten just 63 at-bats out of Teel this season, and their other catcher options have been far from ideal. Drew Romo and Edgar Quero haven't been good, and Joey BArt, acquired at the MLB trade deadline, was hurt shortly after joining the team.
This club desperately needs catcher help. So, with Teel potentially nearing a return from injury, his presence could be a massive difference-maker for the White Sox.
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While they already have a strong offense, adding another solid hitter to the lineup at a position where they've gotten so little this season would be massive.
Teel has a .190 batting average and a .589 OPS this season, but last year he posted a .786 OPS with a .273 batting average in 78 games compared to his 19-game sample size this year.
If he can return closer to his 2025 version, or even land in the middle at his current career average of a .748 OPS, the White Sox offense would take a big leap forward thanks to Teel's presence in the lineup.
Such a massive upgrade being on the table for the White Sox makes it clear why he's become one of the most important players as the 2026 season winds down for the White Sox. If he's back and playing well, this team could be even better than they are now.
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