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!
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