Shea Langeliers could be changing Oakland A’s plans
The Oakland A’s appeared to have their future set behind the plate. Tyler Soderstrom, their first round selection in 2020, was going to eventually take over. His bat was going to carry him forward as he continued to develop with the glove, but by the time that Sean Murphy was deemed too expensive for the A’s tastes, the expectation was that he would be ready.
And then Shea Langeliers happened. He had an impressive season in 2021 before coming to Oakland as part of the Matt Olson trade. However, he was still a question mark as he still needed to prove himself in his new organization.
Shea Langeliers making impact on Oakland A’s future
Langeliers is doing just that. He has proven that his 2021 campaign was just a precursor of what was to come. Not only is he continuing to hit for power, but he is showing an excellent approach at the plate while making consistent contact. His defense has been all that the A’s could have hoped for as well as he is showing his strong arm behind the plate.
Soderstrom was not a given to remain a catcher. He was extremely raw defensively when drafted and had been considered athletic enough to handle other positions. The belief at the time was that he could end up at third or in the outfield if the A’s did not want to make him a first baseman. Nonetheless, they had worked with Soderstrom behind the plate, lauding his progress thus far.
However, that appears to be changing. Soderstrom is seeing more time at first lately, with 16 games at the position. Meanwhile, he has just 11 games behind the plate thus far, and it may not be a surprise to see him get action at third base at some point this year as well.
To further that possibility, the A’s have shifted another player. Zack Gelof has started seeing more playing time at second base, which potentially helps to move him up the ladder even faster. However, that leaves a hole at the hot corner that Kevin Smith or Sheldon Neuse may not have the bat for.
It all comes down to Langeliers. His performance is opening eyes as he has become the A’s top prospect. It is also potentially changing the futures of other players in the A’s organization as the front office looks to find a way to get those other possible impact players to the majors.
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Shea Langeliers has a bright future with the Oakland A’s. That future is going to impact the rest of the A’s organization as players move around.