White Sox release 1.027 OPS catcher, follow it with head-scratching move

The solution to the Chicago White Sox’s catching situation in 2026 remains a mystery. Kyle Teel has been unavailable for much of the season after suffering an injury during the World Baseball Classic, followed by another setback during his rehab assignment. He is once again sidelined as he continues working his way back from an ankle sprain.

Trade-deadline acquisition Joey Bart is also currently out with a hand fracture, adding to the uncertainty behind the plate. Bart was acquired after Drew Romo and Edgar Quero failed to establish themselves as reliable options, while Eric Haase had been added on a minor league deal before the trade.

Following Bart’s injury, it appeared Haase could be in line for a call-up, but the White Sox instead released him despite posting a 1.027 OPS over a week of games with Chicago’s Triple-A affiliate. Following up Haase’s release was Chicago claiming catcher Jake Rogers off waivers from the Boston Red Sox, in which he is expected to officially join the club later today, August 15.

Chicago White Sox make head-scratching waiver claim at catcher by adding Jake Rogers

Once Rogers arrives, he will be added to the White Sox’s 40-man roster and active roster. According to MLB reporter Francys Romero, Quero is expected to be the odd man out once again, with another option to the minor leagues potentially on the horizon. Interestingly, Quero has swung the bat well in August, going 7-for-16 across five games, but recently came under scrutiny for allegedly tipping pitches during a series against the Cincinnati Reds.

Hearing that Edgar Quero will be optioned again to make room for Jake Rogers.

— Francys Romero (@FrancysRomero) August 15, 2026

Rogers, a 31-year-old catcher, owns a .617 OPS this season after spending time with the Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles and White Sox. On paper, he does not appear to be the long-term solution behind the plate and instead looks more like another stopgap until Teel returns in the coming weeks. Regardless, it is surprising that Rogers will get the opportunity over Haase, who offers more offensive upside and had been swinging the bat well in the minors.

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