Rookie catcher Edgar Quero is rapidly emerging as a standout talent for the Chicago White Sox, earning widespread acclaim not just for his unexpected offensive contributions but, more importantly, for his profound advancements behind the plate. His journey from prospect to a potential cornerstone of the Sox’s future is drawing significant attention, highlighting a remarkable transformation in his game.

While big-league catchers aren’t typically relied upon for their bat, Quero has certainly made his presence felt offensively. The 22-year-old switch-hitter boasts a commendable .278 batting average and a .725 OPS through 70 games, complemented by three home runs, 13 doubles, and 26 RBIs. His ability to hold his own at the plate provides an invaluable bonus to his defensive prowess.

However, it is Quero’s defensive growth that has truly set him apart and fueled the White Sox’s belief in his long-term potential. His development behind the plate has been nothing short of extraordinary, particularly in areas critical to a catcher’s success. This improvement positions him to form a formidable catching tandem with fellow promising rookie Kyle Teel.

Sox right-hander Jonathan Cannon attests to Quero’s dramatic evolution, remarking, ‘‘I was at Double-A [Birmingham] when he got traded here [in 2023], and to see his development from then to now is crazy. He’s not the same catcher now that I threw to a couple of years ago.’’ Such testimonials underscore the significant strides he has made.

Despite Baseball Savant rating Quero as average in certain quantifiable metrics like pitch-framing, pitch-blocking, and pop time, his overall impact extends beyond raw numbers. He has successfully thrown out 11 of 57 would-be base-stealers, achieving a 19.3% success rate. These statistics, while valuable, only tell part of the story of his defensive influence.

Crucially, many of Quero’s most impactful contributions are intangible. His remarkable progress in pitch-calling has been particularly noted by teammates and coaches, showcasing an increasing maturity and understanding of the game. Navigating the complexities of arguably the most demanding position in baseball, Quero is embracing the learning curve with impressive poise and determination.

Quero’s path to the White Sox involved a pivotal trade in 2023, where he, along with left-hander Ky Bush, was acquired from the Angels in exchange for right-handers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez. This move came after the Angels secured catching prospect Logan O’Hoppe, making Quero a valuable asset for the Sox and highlighting his recognized talent even before his recent surge.

At the plate, Quero demonstrates admirable plate discipline, registering 42 strikeouts against 22 walks across 223 at-bats. Interestingly, he exhibits superior performance from the right side of the plate, boasting a .391 average and a .947 OPS. Even from the left side, where he currently bats .206 with a .586 OPS, he showcased his clutch hitting with a three-run, opposite-field homer against the Phillies.

While acknowledging that “there’s some work to do with framing and blocking” and that his “arm strength isn’t off the charts,” the consensus around Edgar Quero remains overwhelmingly positive. His exceptional ability to get rid of the ball quickly and his keen “feel for the running game” solidify his promising future as a versatile and impactful major league catcher for the White Sox.