Kyle Teel

The future looks bright for Team Italy catcher Kyle Teel

Roberto AngottiLeave a comment

After hitting a home run in his first at bat against USA starter Nolan McLean on March 10, 2026,Team Italy catcher Kyle Teel walked in his second at bat and subsequently suffered a Grade 3 right hamstring strain while running out a double in his final 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) plate appearance. Kyle Teel made the most of his experience on the Azzurri roster, going 4-for-6 in limited action early in the tournament and calling games behind the plate for pitchers Sam Aldegheri and Michael Lorenzen. Teel commented on the Italian-born and developed Los Angeles Angels lefty Aldegheri. “He’s a great pitcher, and doing what he does on the mound and throwing like he can, it just goes to show how big baseball is in Italy and how baseball is a big part of Italian culture.”

Team Italy WBC hitting coach Jorge Posada spoke highly of the Chicago White Sox catcher Teel. “He has a great attitude. He’s prepared, and he looks forward to game time. I see a different Kyle when it’s game time versus when it’s practice. I like him. He knows what he wants to do, and he cares. That’s what you want as a catcher, is people that care. It means a lot to him, being a good catcher behind the plate.”

Kyle Teel enjoyed his time with former MLB all-star catcher Jorge Posada. “I just tried to be a sponge around him. Growing up, watching him at Yankee Stadium, being a Jersey guy and all, it’s really surreal being with him every single day. He’s phenomenal. Just trying to learn about what he likes to do with his routines. He gave me some info when I took my BP. I think it’s really cool to be around a guy like that, a guy I looked up to growing up. It’s just amazing.”

Kyle Teel remembers the Team Italy charter flight from Spring Training in Phoenix to the World Baseball Classic in Houston like it was yesterday. He said, “I’ve never seen anything like what happened on that plane. Just Andrea Bocelli bumping on the speaker. Everyone singing it at the top of their lungs. Nobody sitting in their seats, by the way. It was unbelievable. So much fun.”

Kyle Teel did not discriminate between those Team Italy players born in the USA or Canada and the few from the motherland. He declared, “We all have the same blood, and it was just amazing. I know for some of these guys it was their first time playing on the big stage. But everyone did well. It was great just talking to them every day, getting to know them. And I think that was really important.”

The synergy paid dividends as Team Italy went on to the World Baseball Classic semifinals in Miami after going undefeated in Pool B play in Houston with wins over Brazil, Great Britain, USA and Mexico.

Kyle Teel didn’t return to MLB action until June 22nd after suffering a right knee LCL sprain during a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte. He later endured another injury setback on July 20th when he suffered a high left ankle sprain. Chicago White Sox GM Chris Getz projects that Teel will reunite with Azzurri teammate Sam Antonacci on the White Sox roster around September 1st. With the Southside anticipating a strong playoff run, Kyle Teel will be a welcome addition to the squad.

The dynamic duo had quite an impact on Team Italy: Kyle Teel and Sam Antonacci bring powerful Sox to Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Let’s wish them the best as they make Pope Leo proud. Forza #Italia!

Kyle Teel and Sam Antonacci bring powerful Sox to Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Roberto AngottiLeave a comment

Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel and MLB Top 10 infielding prospect Sam Antonacci are two fast-rising stars on Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). The White Sox duo add punch to an already powerful Azzurri lineup featuring the likes of Kansas CIty Royals’ Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone, Seattle Mariners’ Dominic Canzone and Miles Mastrobuoni, Miami Marlins’ Jacob Marsee, Houston Astros’ Zach Dezenzo, St. Louis Cardinals’ Thomas Saggese and Toronto Blue Jays’ prospect Giaconino Lasarcina. Team Italy begins Pool B play against Brazil on Saturday, March 7th at Daikin Park in Houston. Favorite USA, Mexico and Great Britain round out the competition. 

Recruited by former Team Italy catcher and Chicago White Sox coach Drew Butera (currently with the Toronto Blue Jays), catcher Kyle Teel is star struck with former MLB catchers Francisco Cervelli (Team Italy manager) and Jorge Posada (Team Italy hitting coach) serving on the WBC Azzurri staff. He said, “I want to be a sponge around those guys and learn as much as I can. It’s huge. I’m pumped. I’m really looking forward to competing and playing to win. I think we are going to surprise a lot of people. I really like our team. I’m so excited about being able to represent my family’s culture. I’m half Italian and being able to represent that side of the family is a great opportunity.”

Teel quickly advanced through the Boston minor league system and in December 2024 was part of a trade that sent him to the Chicago White Sox organization as a top prospect. He made his MLB debut on June 6, 2025 and showed lightning power when hitting eight home runs with a .273 batting average and 35 RBI for the remainder of the season. The left-handed hitting catcher has demonstrated an advanced hitting approach and the ability to work counts to get on base, where he excels with smart base running tactics. His leadership, skilled game management and precision (only five errors in 501 innings) behind the plate makes him a strong defensive weapon as well.

During 2026 Spring Training as a non-roster invitee, White Sox and Azzurri teammate Sam Antonacci raked at the plate. He went 4-for-13, including two home runs–the first one off the bat registering at 109.5 mph, topping his previous high by over three mph– one double and no strikeouts. Teel commented, “Sam kills the baseball. He’s very talented, and he’s a gamer.” During the offseason, Antonacci was hard at work to build muscle mass and strength. White Sox director of hitting Ryan Fuller said, “He crushed the weight room, added weight, and utilized our bat speed program…that added strength is going to lend itself to being a more productive hitter.” National MLB Insider Russ Dorsey shared on a recent Mully and Haugh Show on Chicago’s 104.3 The Score broadcast that a White Sox scout guaranteed that Sam Antonacci will have a 12-to-15-year MLB career. 

Antonacci made his professional debut with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Low-A) in 2024, hitting .333 with 14 RBI in his first 23 games. In 2025, he split time between the Winston-Salem Dash (High-A) and the Birmingham Barons (Double-A). Over the course of 116 games, Antonacci hit .291 with five home runs, 57 RBI, and 48 stolen bases, proving his lightning speed and contact ability. He earned White Sox Minor League Player of the Month (June 2025) for his high OPS and impact on the base paths. After the 2025 regular season, he excelled in the Arizona Fall League, slashing .378/.505/.541 with 11 stolen bases in 19 games, further boosting his prospect status. Known for his disciplined approach at the plate with high walk rates and strong contact ability. Antonacci possesses excellent on-base skills as his stolen base totals are among the best in the White Sox system. In addition, he offers position versatility, having played second base, shortstop, and third base in the minors. Antonacci is one of Chicago’s fastest-rising prospects and Team Italy’s best kept secret. Look for him to make an impact for the Azzurri in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.