School: University of Virginia; Class: Junior
Position: C; B/T: L/R
Height: 6-1; Weight: 190
Previously Drafted: N/A
High School: Mahwah High School
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 55 | 50/55 | 35 | 55 | 50 | 55 |
Background: The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 1989 draft class was a rather forgettable one – except that their third round pick, Phil Nevin, would eventually go on to become the top overall pick three years later after a stout career at California State University. Buried down deep in their draft class was a college backstop from William Paterson University, who would eventually spend parts of five non-descript, light-hitting seasons in the low levels of the minor leagues.
That catcher: Garett Teel, who would bat a paltry .166/.270/.223 in 107 professional games.
Twenty-four years later Garett’s oldest kid, Kyle, is poised to become the first backstop taken off the board in the midsummer draft, potentially making him the highest drafted Cavalier catcher in school history.
A rock solid starter since his true freshman season in 2021, the lefty-swinging backstop opened up his collegiate career by slugging .335/.416/.526 with 11 doubles, one triple, and nine homeruns for the Cavaliers. He would spend the ensuing summer splitting time between the National Squad (.233/.343/.333) and the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters in the Northwoods League (.277/.436/.426).
Like fellow 2023 potential early first rounder Jacob Gonzalez, Teel’s production took a noticeable step back during his sophomore season as he batted .276/.402/.439 with just 12 doubles, three triples, and six homeruns. And he struggled during his brief stints with Team USA and the Harwich Mariners in the Cape Cod League.
But things seemed to click for Teal as he put together a borderline historic season to cap off his career.
Appearing in a career best 63 games for the ACC powerhouse, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound backstop mashed .418/.484/.673 with 25 doubles, 13 homeruns, and five stolen bases in 2023.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2011, only two (2) ACC hitters have eclipsed the .400 batting average mark in a season (min. 250 PA): Miami’s Yohandy Morales and – of course – Kyle Teel, both of whom accomplished the feat in 2023.
Teel combines explosive bat speed and a strong feel for the strike zone that allows him to pepper the ball indiscriminately around the diamond. The lefty-swinging backstop showed average power but there’s more in the tank as he continues to mature. There’s a chance for an above-average hit tool and power at full maturity. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Royals snag him with the eighth overall pick.
Ceiling: 3.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
Grade: First Round
