MESA, Ariz. -- Two new faces arrived at A’s camp on Wednesday, just days before Cactus League play is set to open. Shea Langeliers and Cristian Pache came carrying considerable pomp as the headliners of the return package in the deal that sent Matt Olson to Atlanta. 

The infusion of talent shook up Oakland’s Top 30 prospects list, with Langeliers and Pache checking in at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Right-handed pitchers Ryan Cusick (No. 7-ranked) and Joey Estes (No. 14-ranked), who were also acquired in the deal, have joined the fray as well.

“We knew they were good looking [hitters] on the computer, but then getting to see them in person, it’s awesome,” hitting coach Tommy Everidge said. “We’re really happy to have them.”

But much of the fervor on the day of their arrival centered on the duo’s defensive aplomb.  

If there was any doubt about Langeliers’ catcher’s credo, he reaffirmed Wednesday that “throwing somebody out trying to steal a base feels better than hitting a home run.” 

Langeliers, who was the ninth overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, was named Atlanta’s Minor League Player of the Year last season, an honor that earned praise from manager Mark Kotsay. In his first full season of professional action, Langeliers delivered an .833 OPS with 37 extra-base hits and 53 RBIs across 97 games between Double-A and Triple-A.  

“I always have high expectations for myself,” Langeliers said. “I want to go out there, I want to play. I want to do good for the pitchers and win ballgames. I’m bringing that same mentality over here.”

With Ramón Laureano suspended for the first 27 games of 2022, Oakland possesses a glaring need for a center fielder capable of roaming its expansive outfield. Enter Pache, whose 80 fielding grade has vaulted him as high as the No. 10 overall prospect on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 rankings prior to the ‘20 season. Word of his defensive reputation looks to have flown with expedited shipping to Mesa. 

“I know he’s an elite defender,” Kotsay said. “Explaining to him his opportunity, he’s excited to be here. We’re excited to put our eyes on him and assess his abilities.” 

Langeliers has been up-close and personal to witness those abilities, describing Pache as an “unreal outfielder.” 

“He’s made some of the most unbelievable catches in center field, has a cannon of an arm and he’s just a great guy overall,” Langeliers explained. 

The preternaturally talented Pache appeared in 14 postseason games with the Braves over the last two years. He began 2021 as the Braves’ center fielder, but early-season struggles at the dish -- 25 strikeouts in 68 plate appearances -- led to a shift back to Triple-A Gwinnett. But during his stint with Atlanta, Pache compiled a sprint speed of 28.9 ft./sec, which put him in the 91st percentile in the Majors. Upon his return to Gwinnett, he batted .265 with 26 extra-base hits and nine stolen bases.

While acclimation to a new group remains paramount, the excitement around Pache’s skill set is palpable. As for his Opening Day outlook, Kotsay again honed in on what has become his early spring mantra: competition. 

“There’s opportunity for [Pache] to compete for an Opening Day roster spot,” Kotsay said. “Competition is good.” 

Pache, a native of Santo Domingo Centro, Dominican Republic, did not play in the Dominican Winter League this past season after having done so the previous two years. The 23-year-old chose not to do so as a remedy to allow a right hamstring injury to heal, but he declared himself “100 percent” with a smile from the dugout Wednesday. 

“I feel very happy and excited for the love and affection that I’ve gotten so far from A’s fans,” said Pache via translator Luis Victoria. “I’m an enjoyable person, I’m a happy person. I like to bring the best that I can every day and I’m just full of energy at all times.”

Quick hits

• The April 15-17 series in Toronto will be notable for Oakland for reasons beyond facing former third baseman Matt Chapman for the first time. Kotsay confirmed Wednesday that the team had unvaccinated players that are slated to be a part of the Opening Day roster, but he was unsure how they would proceed due to regulations. Players not vaccinated against COVID-19 are currently not allowed to travel into Canada from the United States.
• Shortstop Elvis Andrus has been active in the early days of camp, fielding ground balls and participating in batting practice. Kotsay named the veteran his starting shortstop for Opening Day, as the 33-year-old has shown little to no lingering effects from the broken left fibula that ended his '21 campaign prematurely.
• While an order hasn’t yet been established, the A’s have a pitching group written in pencil for Friday’s Spring Training opener against the Angels. Kotsay said that left-hander A.J. Puk and right-handers Brent Honeywell Jr. and Paul Blackburn would be on the hill. Fans can listen to an exclusive A’s cast, with first pitch set for 1:05 p.m. PT.