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Shea Langeliers impressing with bat for Oakland A’s

By David Hill

Mar 17, 2022; USA; Oakland Athletics Shea Langeliers poses for a 2022 MLB portrait. Mandatory Credit: MLB photos via USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2022; USA; Oakland Athletics Shea Langeliers poses for a 2022 MLB portrait. Mandatory Credit: MLB photos via USA TODAY Sports /
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Shea Langeliers was an interesting acquisition for the Oakland A’s. In many ways, he was the opposite of their other top catching prospect – Tyler Soderstrom. Whereas Soderstrom’s bat has the potential to move him rapidly through the system, Langeliers has been notable for his defense.

There was hope that his bat had finally caught up to his defensive potential last season. Langeliers had produced a .256/.339/.494 batting line in his 384 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A, hitting 22 homers and 15 doubles. While his power was expected, he showed a better approach at the plate as well last year, drawing more walks while trimming his strikeouts down a bit.

Shea Langeliers may have taken next step

His improved production is continuing thus far in 2022. Through his 76 plate appearances entering Friday, he has posted a .292/.395/.615 batting line with six homers and three doubles. His improved approach at the plate is also evident, as Langeliers has 11 walks and just 15 strikeouts.

This production does need to come with a caveat. The Pacific Coast League is a league where ERAs go to die. That is doubly so in Las Vegas, where the Aviators play in a launching pad. Baseballs fly out of the yard at a regular pace, skewing the overall numbers.

Nonetheless, there is reason to believe that Langeliers is taking that next step forward. He is drawing walks at a solid pace while making more contact. If that continues as the summer drags on, it may not be a surprise to see him make his major league debut later this year.

His continued development may also make a difference with the A’s plans at the position. Sean Murphy’s name was floated in trade rumors despite his being under team control for the next four years. If Laneliers appears ready for the majors, and has the bat to be more than a glove first backup, those whispers could get a lot louder.

Next. 3 players possibly on chopping block. dark

Shea Langeliers is continuing his development with the bat thus far. He could force his way onto the Oakland A’s soon if this continues.