With the compensation pick the Braves got for failing to sign Carter Stewart, Alex Anthopoulos pivoted away from a pitcher-heavy strategy and rolled the dice on a powerful backstop from Baylor: Our boy Shea Langeliers.
There’s been a bit of a learning curve for him so far, but that’s pretty normal for catchers no matter how elite (unless you’re Adley Rutschman who we’re still not sure is human). However, Shea has been looking up lately. Over his last three games, he has an astounding seven hits including a double. For a guy in his first year who was tabbed as a defensive stalwart, this is an encouraging sign especially with Tyler Flowers struggling so badly in Atlanta. Shea’s tabbed nine multi-hit games over the past month and a half, with two four-hit games. We’re still waiting on the power to come around that we saw at Baylor, with only two home runs to date. However, if he keeps working on barreling the ball and driving to the gaps, it’ll come. For now, he’s hitting .300 over his last ten games.
How about his defense? It’s pretty damn encouraging. He’s throwing out runners at a 42% clip. To put that in perspective, JT Realmuto leads the league in CS% with 46%. These are two different levels, but the signs of an elite catcher are there. Shea does have two errors on the season.
I think Shea finishes out the season in Rome, but he should start next season in Mississippi with an opportunity to push towards Atlanta depending on his performance. His defense will keep him afloat, and if his bat is coming around, watch out.
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