‘Crimson Sox followers ought to be ecstatic’: How MLB specialists graded first-round choose Kyle Teel

Crimson Sox

“Very nice draft for them.”

Kyle Teel Red Sox draft grade
Kyle Teel taking part in for Virginia towards Duke in June, 2023. AP Photograph/John C. Clark

When the Crimson Sox chosen catcher Kyle Teel with the 14th total choose within the 2023 MLB Draft, it didn’t take lengthy for the optimistic critiques of the choice to start out rolling in.

The choose of Teel went barely towards what had been projected, although contemplating he was seen as a top-10 expertise, it was unsurprising that analysts supported Boston’s selection.

“He’s a left-handed hitter with a really perfect swing for Fenway Park and good contact abilities regardless of a violent swing, in addition to a plus throwing arm,” wrote ESPN’s David Schoenfield. “On the minimal, this seems to be like a reasonably protected choose since Teel initiatives as a excessive likelihood main leaguer.”

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter gave the choose an “A” in his draft grades. Of Teel, he mentioned the catcher is an “A+ athlete who cut up his time between catching and the outfield as a freshman, he strikes nicely behind the plate and has a robust throwing arm.”

R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports activities listed the Crimson Sox among the many groups he thought “nailed their picks,” additionally giving the choice of Teel an “A” in his evaluation.

“He efficiently course-corrected after a short however powerful cameo in final summer time’s Cape Cod League, and profiles as a contact-over-power hitter on the sport’s highest stage,” famous Anderson.

Of Boston’s second-round choose, highschool shortstop Nazzan Zanetello, analyst Mike Axisa (additionally of CBS sports activities) added that, “I do know a couple of groups had him on their radar within the first spherical.”

“Very nice draft for them,” Axisa mentioned of the Crimson Sox via the primary two rounds.

Keith Legislation of The Athletic admitted that Teel sliding to the 14th choose was “a shock.” Nonetheless, he defined that it’s finally excellent news for Boston.

“Crimson Sox followers ought to be ecstatic,” Legislation wrote. “He has some areas to work on, needing particularly to enhance his manufacturing towards left-handed pitching, however he’s an ideal athlete for a catcher and it reveals up in his working, his motion behind the plate, and even within the bat pace from his fast wrists. He may not have the upside of among the bats who went earlier than him however I feel he might nonetheless find yourself an All-Star sooner or later, and has a excessive ground as a result of he can catch.”

The MLB Draft continues on Monday and Tuesday, with groups filling out rosters over a complete of 20 rounds.