Top prospect's 498-foot HR just one part of sky-high promise

Langeliers doing it all with Triple-A Las Vegas, catching attention of organization

July 1st, 2022

This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos A's Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

A’s No. 1 prospect  sent shockwaves through the organization last week when he clobbered a majestic 498-foot blast for Triple-A Las Vegas.

Such displays of that 60-grade power have become common for Langeliers. Entering Wednesday, the catcher’s 13 home runs were the most of any prospect in Oakland’s farm system. But the reason Langeliers is rated as baseball’s No. 38 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline goes beyond just the pop in his bat.

A’s right-hander Adam Oller has split time between Oakland and Las Vegas this season. During his first option down to Triple-A in May, he quickly realized the special talent Langeliers has with the bat. What really stood out to Oller, however, were the other tools the 24-year-old backstop possesses.

“I was curious to see him when I got down there,” Oller said. “Everyone knows he can swing the bat. The dude’s gonna be in the big leagues with his bat, regardless. I don’t want to say I was surprised, But the dude’s knowledge behind the plate is impressive.”

Oller referenced his first time throwing to Langeliers in a game against the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats back in May. The right-hander had concerns about working with an unfamiliar catcher. Once the game got underway, it didn’t take long for Langeliers to earn Oller’s trust.

“I think I threw two or three starts to him and within that time, we were connected,” Oller said. “There were very few times that I shook [him off]. His ability to connect with a pitcher and know what pitch is working today, this is what we’re gonna go with and how we’re gonna work this pitch off of other things, is impressive. Especially for his experience level and where he’s at right now.”

Those within the organization also see Langeliers as more than just a slugger who happens to catch. From the viewpoint of A’s assistant general manager Billy Owens, Langeliers, equipped with a 70-grade arm and 65-grade defense, has the potential to be a dual threat in the Major Leagues, throwing out current A’s Gold Glove catcher Sean Murphy, as well as Mike Zunino and William Contreras as player comps.

“Defensively, he is a force,” Owens said of Langeliers. “Sure-handed, nimble, athletic, cannon with sniper accuracy. It’s fun to watch him annihilate baserunners.”

What about the offense?

“He’ll provide competitive at-bats and power,” Owens said, “Especially for the position.”

Tearing up Triple-A in seemingly every facet of the game, the clock is now ticking on when Langeliers will receive the call to Oakland. Fans are certainly clamoring for it. Based on evaluations from those who have seen up play up close, it might not be much longer before we see him in green and gold.

“He already has the bat to do everything else for him, but his knowledge behind the plate is remarkable,” Oller said. “He cares about what he’s doing behind the plate. I feel like it will not be long until we see him. He deserves it. The dude’s good behind the plate. He’s a great guy, and I feel like he’ll be a big league catcher for a long time.”