Red Sox select Virginia catcher Kyle Teel with 14th overall pick

Photo Courtesy: Virginia Media Relations

In search of their next franchise catcher, the Red Sox selected Kyle Teel with the 14th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Teel made headlines with his bat at the University of Virginia and was the No. 7 overall prospect in the draft, according to MLB.com.

The Jersey native finished his college career in impressive fashion this past season. In 65 games, Teel posted a .407 batting average while driving in 69 runs. He also showed some power as 38 of 107 hits went for extra bases. During his time in Charlottesville, Teel posted a .979 OPS in 177 games.

His ability to make an impact offensively is partly what drew the Red Sox’s interest.

“Kyle is a guy that we had very high on our board for obvious reasons,” Red Sox director of amateur scouting Devin Pearson released in a statement. “He had an unbelievable 2023 season offensively and is arguably one of the best college athletes in the Draft. We think he’s going to be really valuable for us. We’re excited to add an athletic catcher to the system, and we were thrilled to get him with the 14th pick.”

Defensively, Teel has an above-average arm and athleticism that makes him a solid receiver. He has a high baseball IQ and leadership skills that are key at the catching position. While Teel can play multiple positions, his value is greatest behind the plate.

As Teel prepares for his professional career, he turns the page on an unforgettable chapter in Virginia. During his time as a Cavalier, Teel led Virginia to its first College World Series appearance in six years in 2021. This past season, he was the first player in program history to win the ACC Player of The Year Award since Sean Doolittle in 2006.

The talented 21-year-old immediately becomes the best catching prospect in the Red Sox's system. He has the potential to be an All-Star and make an impact for years to come. In a minor league system that has seen its stock increase of late, Teel is another fantastic addition.

For many, the selection of Teel is seen as one of the best picks in the draft, and it's hard to argue with that after what he did in college.

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