Red Sox Get Disappointing Update On Intriguing Trade Rumor
While the Boston Red Sox didn’t make any big splashes at the Winter Meetings this week, they remain linked to many big names in trade rumors.
One of the most intriguing trade scenarios involves a potential reunion with former top prospect Kyle Teel, whom the Red Sox traded to the Chicago White Sox as part of the package for Garrett Crochet last winter.
According to MLB insiders Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, Boston has “shown repeated interest” in reacquiring Teel from the White Sox. Based on their latest report for The Athletic (subscription required), however, that seems like a long shot.
“The White Sox, with no interest in trading Teel, have shut down every inquiry,” according to Friday’s report. “They have no desire to trade an athletic, left-handed-hitting catcher who can control the strike zone and run.”
That’s not surprising, as Teel is one of the most promising players in baseball and looks like a key part of Chicago’s future. A first-round pick in 2023, the 23-year-old catcher is coming off a stellar rookie season where he batted .273/.375/.411 with eight homers, 35 RBI and 1.9 WAR in 78 games — very similar numbers to Roman Anthony.
Teel looks like a future All-Star, and the White Sox are apparently committed to building around him. It would also be a strange move for them to immediately move on from him after such a good season.
Fortunately for the Red Sox, they have their own talented young catcher in Carlos Narvaez, who’s coming off an excellent rookie season as well. Teel would provide an offensive upgrade behind the plate, but he’d also make the lineup even more left-handed.
Accordingly, it sounds like Boston will need to look elsewhere on the trade market. In the meantime, it can focus on pursuing a different reunion with Alex Bregman.