Kyle
Teel

USA CNT: Teel is a hugely talented athlete, showing strong wrists, quiet hands and a soft touch behind the plate, backed by solid footwork and a double-plus arm anchoring his catch-and-throw game. Most impressive, not only was he (according to my detective work) the first catcher to throw out Enrique Bradfield in over 60 consecutive attempts, but he did so during the Stars/Stripes series at trials on an off-speed pitch away and out of the zone. Teel shows the qualities you look for in a future pro backstop, but is also athletic enough, and with plenty of arm strength, to shift out to right field if so desired (though his power is probably a little light at present for a corner outfield fit at the highest level). The UVA catcher shows exemplary feel for the strike zone and a willingness to work counts and find his way on base via walk as well as hit, in addition to showing very good feel for contact, helping the overall offensive profile. Exiting the summer, Teel looks like the top collegiate catching prospect in the 2023 draft class and a likely day one talent — should he kick-up his offensive production a notch next spring, this quickly becomes the type of profile you see off the board in the first 20 picks.

Super-athletic with big raw tools, Teel does not have a natural stroke in the batter's box, but makes it work with twitchy strength, outstanding wrists and excellent hand/eye. He's aggressive with a big swing, especially early in the count. But the left handed hitter also has really good plate discipline and strike zone knowledge to work and extend an at-bat. Possessing very good plate coverage, he can drive the ball from many pitch locations. Teel's top exit velos from last weekend were 105.7 mph on a home run and 101.9 on a foul ball. His athleticism also allows him to play nearly anywhere on the diamond, but has started 2022 at catcher. Athletic and agile, he showed a quick release and better than plus arm strength throwing behind the runner at first base. Teel is so athletic, he can get lazy sometimes behind the plate. His 70-grade arm fits behind the dish, and is also perfect for right field where he converts his plus run tool into above average range. There is a long way to go before the 2023 draft and despite the lack of a true position, Teel has the tools and an advanced feel for hitting to easily place him as a potential top round prospect in 2023. He finished the series 3-for-7 with five RBI. He also tied a UVA record with five walks during Friday's opener. Long term he profiles as a super utility with the ability to occasionally catch at the Big League level as his bat is likely to be too valuable to stick behind the plate on a full-time basis.

Uber-athletic with big raw tools, Teel does not have a natural stroke in the batter’s box, but makes it work with twitchy strength, outstanding wrists and excellent hand/eye. The lefthanded hitter finished the CNT season 7-for-30 with three XBH after a spring season in which he slashed .335/.416/.526 for the Cavaliers. His athleticism also allows him to play nearly anywhere on the diamond. However, he will need many reps to stick behind the plate, especially with his blocking and catch/throw transfer footwork. His 70-grade arm fits behind the dish, and is also perfect for right field where he converts his plus run tool into above average range. There is a long ways to go before the 2023 draft and despite the lack of a true position, Teel has the tools and an advanced feel for hitting to easily put him near the top of scouts’ follow lists for 2023.

Virginia recruit. Produced pop-times at 1.95-2.0 between innings, he carried that over into games where he threw out multiple runners trying to steal. Teel is advanced athletically with a high motor behind the dish, and possesses quick footwork and a strong throwing arm.

Preseason All-State Showcase (February 11, 2017)
Teel has a lanky, athletic build at 6-feet 165-pounds. Virginia recruit. One of the top performers of the event. One of the top 2020s in the state and country. Exit velocity of 89 mph. Offensively- LHH starts in a crouch slightly wider than shoulder width with bat rested on shoulder. As pitch comes in, uses a leg lift and stride to start swing. Bat goes from being parallel with the ground to almost perpendicular as hands load down and back.  Hands and hips are violent through the zone. Finishes balanced on back leg. Creates some lift to swing. Defensively- registered throws that topped at 77 mph to 2B, with a top pop time of the event at 1.71 and a range between 1.71-1.81. Quick feet and gains ground toward 2B on finish. Short, quick arm action. Recoil on finish. At SS, recorded throws that topped at 87 mph across the diamond. Exchange is quick and fluid, feet are athletic and gain ground to first base. Throws from a high-3/4 slot. Is able to throw from multiple different slots.


Futures Preview (6/4/16)
Teel is a 2020 grad with a lanky wiry frame at 5-foot-10 145-pounds. Although being one of the youngest participants at the event, Teel had some of the top statistics. Offensively- Teel uses a small leg kick and an exceptionally fluid hand load before exploding his hips and hands through the zone. One of the more balanced swings from the event, Teel's Exit Velocity was 85. Fielding- Teel showed his versatility with soft hands and easy exchanges at shortstop, with throws that topped out at 83 across the field. Catching- Teel had the best pop time of the event at a 1.97, throwing 77 MPH down to second base. Pitching- Teel sat at 77-82 MPH on the mound and topped out at 83 MPH. Lightning quick arm that is free and loose, Teel was one of the most projectable players at the event even though he is still in eighth grade.