Chicago White Sox sign veteran catcher Reese McGuire to a 1-year, $1.2M deal, pushing Korey Lee off the 2026 Opening Day roster. Manager Will Venable calls decision on Lee ‘really hard’ amid Kyle Teel injury. Latest White Sox roster moves, catching depth updates and spring training news.

The Chicago White Sox added some veteran catching depth on Sunday by signing Reese McGuire to a one-year, $1.2 million contract, a move that immediately pushed Korey Lee off the 2026 Opening Day roster.

McGuire, 31, rejoins the South Side organization, where he played 53 games in 2022 before being traded to the Boston Red Sox. He spent 2025 with the crosstown Cubs, batting .226 with nine home runs in 45 games. This spring, he signed a minor-league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, went 3-for-29 in Cactus League play, opted out Saturday, and landed back in Chicago within 24 hours.

The addition creates a bit of a logjam behind the plate. With top prospect Kyle Teel sidelined four to six weeks by a Grade 2 right hamstring strain suffered in the World Baseball Classic, the White Sox now project to open the season with McGuire and Edgar Quero as their primary catchers.

Manager Will Venable called the decision on Lee “really hard,” praising the 27-year-old’s strong spring and value to the clubhouse.

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Lee, out of minor-league options, will likely be designated for assignment in the coming days or shopped in a trade. The White Sox could also explore outrighting him to Triple-A Charlotte if he clears waivers.

The move gives Chicago additional left-handed hitting and defensive experience behind the plate as the rebuild continues. McGuire is known for his pitch-framing and game-calling, providing stability while Teel rehabs.

The White Sox open the 2026 season on March 26 against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.