White Sox Catching: Edgar Quero Leads, McGuire Added, Lee Out of Opening Day Roster

The Chicago White Sox have solidified Edgar Quero as their primary catcher heading into the 2026 season, a position affirmed by the team’s acquisition of veteran backstop Andrew McGuire on Sunday. McGuire, signed to a one-year, $1.2 million deal after being released by the Milwaukee Brewers, will provide a left-handed complement to Quero, who predominantly hits from the right side.

“When you appear at Quero kind of moving into that top spot and how to best complement him, with Quero really doing most of his damage at the plate from the right side,” said manager Will Venable, “to be able to get a left-handed hitting catcher to support him and complement him well, we thought it was really important for us to get off to a great start.”

The move comes after a spring training initially focused on a competition between Quero and veteran Korey Lee for the starting role. According to Venable, the team had even considered the possibility of carrying three catchers on the Opening Day roster, potentially utilizing either Quero or Lee at designated hitter to maximize at-bats for their development. Still, an injury sustained by catcher Seby Teel during the World Baseball Classic altered those plans.

Teel suffered an injury while running out a double during Team Italy’s victory over Team USA, leaving Quero and Lee as the leading candidates. The White Sox opted to move on from Lee, despite his strong performance in camp and his established presence in the clubhouse. Lee, a former top-notch water polo player, demonstrated athleticism with four stolen bases during Cactus League play and six during the 2024 regular season, alongside 12 home runs.

Venable acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, praising Lee’s contributions to the team, particularly during the challenging 2024 season where the White Sox finished with a 121-loss record. “Every time you produce one of those moves, those are things that are considered and the impact…it was factored into the decision,” Venable stated. “Korey Lee was outstanding in this camp. He’s a really important member of this organization…Someone I personally love and have grown to respect. And it was a really hard decision.”

Venable indicated that Lee will not be on the White Sox Opening Day roster, but the team is working to determine his future. Lee has no remaining options, adding complexity to the situation. He was in the starting lineup for Sunday night’s Cactus League home finale against the Mariners as the team navigated the process.

McGuire, 31, brings experience to the White Sox, having played for the Cubs in 2025, where he slashed .226/.245/.444 with nine home runs in 45 games. He previously played for the White Sox in 2022, slashing .225/.261/.285 in 53 games. He expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with the White Sox’s pitching staff and contribute to the team’s success. According to MLB.com, Quero debuted with the White Sox on April 17, 2025, and through the 2025 season, maintained a .268 batting average with 5 home runs and 36 RBIs.

“He’s a great teammate that these guys will be able to learn from,” said Venable. “I was around him in Boston, he knows how to handle a pitching staff. He knows how to navigate opposing hitters…He’s just a guy that’s been there, has a ton of experience that we hope everyone can benefit from.”