Chicago White Sox New Prospect Profile: Edgar Quero

In 2022, Quero slashed .312/.435/.530 with 17 home runs and 35 doubles. Even at just 19, Quero walked 73 times compared to 91 strikeouts showcasing an advanced feel at the plate. The power (it primarily manifests from the left side of the plate for the switch-hitting catcher) combined with the patience led to projections of an advanced-offensive skill set to combine with a strong arm behind the plate.

The Angels were aggressive with Quero's assignment in 2023, placing the 20-year-old with the Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas. Facing more advanced pitching, Quero's power has been hampered for the time being. In 256 at bats with Rocket City, Quero had 3 home runs and 13 doubles—a significant drop off from his 2022 showing.

Still, Quero posted a .386 OBP prior to being traded to the White Sox, which is encouraging that the patience remains unfazed. To put it in perspective, Bryan Ramos—the White Sox 5th-best prospect and arguably the best offensive prospect in Chicago's farm system—has a .385 OBP in 38 games with the Double-A Birmingham Barons. Of course, the power will need to resurface for Quero to have the offensive impact he's projected to bring to the table. As of right now, I'm not worried about that.

Defensively, Quero has shown that he can certainly stick behind the plate long-term. Quero threw out 25% of would-be base stealers with Rocket City, and he still has plenty of time to get stronger. In 2022, Quero posted a 33% caught-stealing percentage. Balls don't get past him regularly, but Quero is still working on his receiving and calling games in general. 

Organizationally speaking, don't expect Quero to be suiting up for the White Sox next season when Yasmani Grandal comes off the books. Catchers tend to take a little bit longer in their development, and Quero won't be 21 until next April.

MLB Pipeline has Quero's ETA at 2025, and—despite his quick advancement through the farm system thus far—I'm a little bit hesitant to declare Quero will be MLB-ready in two years. Likely, 2026-2027 makes more sense, depending on Quero's defensive growth and if his offensive profile stays strong. In the interim, look for Quero to continue to climb up the top 100 prospect lists if he continues his current development. It's not hard to see Quero as a top-50 prospect as soon as next year.