Red Sox select Kyle Teel at #14 overall: Everything you need to know

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Boston Red Sox bring in college catcher with pick #14 in the 2023 MLB Draft

The 2023 MLB Draft has begun, and with that, we have seen some of the future stars of baseball drafted today. Only time will tell who from this group pans out to have a successful baseball career, but we do know who the Boston Red Sox selected first. With the 14th pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, the Red Sox picked catcher Kyle Teel from Virginia University.

In this article, we will go into a summarized analysis of Teel, and give you an idea of who he is, as well as what he could bring to the future of Boston. We will break this into a few short categories, which include:

1. Statistical Production

How has this player performed on the field according to both conventional and advanced metrics?

2. Projection

Separate from statistics, what is the projection of this player? Do they have the traits and just need more coaching, or are they close to their peak already?

3. Fit with the team

How does this player fit into the Red Sox roster? Is there an immediate hole that could be filled in the near future, is this a long-term projection, or is it just a guess as to what will be needed?

So, without further ado, let's take a look at Teel's statistical production so far.

Kyle Teel's Statistical production

Georgia Tech v Virginia / Eakin Howard/GettyImages

In terms of statistical production, Teel has had a very inconsistent college career. However, in 2023, he had one of the best single seasons in the sport. This season he split .407/.475/1.130, with 32 walks drawn to only 36 strikeouts. He also had 68 RBI, 67 runs, 13 home runs, and 25 doubles.

Over the course of his collegiate seasons combined, he split .343/.433/.979 with 97 walks drawn to 109 strikeouts. He would accrue 155 RBI, 170 runs, 28 home runs, 48 doubles, and four triples. He is also a very strong hitter with baserunners on, especially with the bases loaded. He hit .524 (11 for 21) with a triple and four grand slams when the bases were filled.

Overall, a pretty exceptional college talent when looking at the statistics. In fact, he was one of the best hitting catchers in college during his tenure at Virginia.

How does Teel project for the Red Sox & what traits does he have?

Jun 22, 2021; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Virginia Cavaliers catcher Kyle Teel (3) tosses a beach ball / Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

In terms of his projection, Teel has some very high-quality traits to show the league. He has an exceptional arm, and is able to pick off runners at a high rate which is great to see alongside his offensive strengths. He has hit for average most of his career, which he is effective at, however he has really added some pop to his bat during his collegiate career.

The other thing worth noting in his game is his raw athleticism, which is off the charts. He has played in the outfield at Virginia as well and is believed by various scouts who have worked with him to be potentially able to play second or third base. He is also revered for his IQ which has been regarded as very high, this is always a good sign for a catcher who needs to make the pitch calls.

According to MLB.com, he has the following rankings (out of 80) for his primary traits;

Hitting: 50, Power: 45, Running: 50, Arm: 65, Fielding: 50

How does Kyle Teel fit with the Red Sox long-term?

Jun 22, 2021; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Virginia Cavaliers catcher Kyle Teel (3) singles in a run in the / Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

One of the best things Teel brings to Boston is his positional versatility as well as his great catching. With the Red Sox currently platooning their catcher spot between Connor Wong and Reese McGuire (as well as Jorge Alfaro lately), a true number one catcher for the future needs to be defined. Despite Wong showing up defensively and being around average or just below offensively, a true long-term player who can be very good at both would truly improve this roster.

Teel has an immediate fit in the Red Sox system as well, as the Sox only have one catcher ranked in their top 15 prospects, that being Nathan Hickey at 15th. This allows Teel to work his way into the farm system, and move up the rankings relatively quickly hopefully.

Overall, this pick made a lot of sense for Boston. As the number seven ranked prospect by MLB.com, his falling to pick 14 was great value. The fit for the Sox is also great, and his statistical production is extremely promising.

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