In a high-stakes moment on May 2 in San Diego, Edgar Quero found himself at the center of a pivotal play for the Chicago White Sox. With the team clinging to a four-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, the Padres had the bases loaded, and former White Sox outfielder Gavin Sheets was up, representing the tying run with no outs.
The tension was palpable as White Sox reliever Grant Taylor delivered a 2-2 pitch-a belt-high curveball clocked at 84 mph. It clipped the edge of the strike zone but was initially called a ball.
Quero, quick on his feet, tapped his helmet to challenge the call using the ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) system. The replay confirmed the pitch was indeed a strike, transforming a potentially game-changing full count into a crucial strikeout.
This successful challenge not only secured the first out of the inning but also slashed the Padres’ win probability by 12 percent, helping the White Sox seal a 4-0 victory.
However, moments like these have been rare for Quero and the White Sox. The team currently leads the MLB in defensive ABS challenges lost this season, with Quero playing a significant role in that statistic. Despite his decisive challenge against the Padres, his overall performance behind the plate has been rocky.
Quero, at just 23, has faced challenges both offensively and defensively. His four errors are the highest among American League catchers, and his pitch framing and blocking stats place him in the league’s bottom 20 percent.
Even with the ABS challenge system reducing the emphasis on pitch framing, the ability to steal strikes remains vital. Early-game borderline strikes can put pressure on opposing hitters, who might hesitate to use their challenges prematurely.
Yet, Quero has struggled not only in framing but also in identifying strikes. Out of 42 ABS challenge opportunities, he has successfully overturned only 18 calls, resulting in a 43% success rate-one of the lowest in baseball.
His 24 unsuccessful challenges are the most among the 79 catchers who have played in the MLB this season. This contributes to the White Sox’s league-leading 36 lost defensive challenges.
It’s not just Quero; the entire White Sox team has found it tough to adapt to the ABS system. Offensively, they have won just 15 challenges, the fewest in the league.
Despite these hurdles, the White Sox are managing to stay around the .500 mark, but Quero’s performance is becoming a liability. After an offseason of working on his swing at Driveline in Arizona, he has yet to find his rhythm at the plate.
With nearly 100 plate appearances into the 2026 season, his numbers are underwhelming-no home runs and a .642 OPS.
As a switch-hitting catcher, Quero still holds significant potential. The White Sox are unlikely to give up on him just yet, but a stint in Triple-A might be beneficial, especially with Drew Romo making strides and Kyle Teel nearing a return from injury.
The White Sox are in a competitive position in the wide-open American League and the AL Central. They’ve shown a willingness to prioritize immediate performance over potential, as seen when they designated pitcher Jordan Leasure for assignment due to inconsistency.
As Teel progresses in his rehab, the team may soon face a decision regarding Quero’s future. The clock is ticking, and the White Sox will need to weigh their options carefully as they navigate this pivotal point in the season.
