| AB | 482 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .224 |
| OBP | .288 |
| SLG | .45 |
| HR | 29 |
- Full name Shea Ryan Langeliers
- Born 11/18/1997 in Portland, OR
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Baylor
- Debut 08/16/2022
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Drafted in the 1st round (9th overall) by the Atlanta Braves in 2019 (signed for $3,997,500).
View Draft Report
In a typical draft class, Langeliers would be a safe bet as the top catching prospect in the class, but this year he’ll have to settle for the No. 2 spot behind Adley Rutschman. Langeliers has a well-rounded arsenal across the board, but his strengths are on defense, where he has plus arm strength and threw out nearly 70 percent of basestealers as a sophomore. He also handled plenty of premium pure stuff last summer with USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team and handled it well. Langeliers is a polished pitch-framer, and he moves well behind the plate and shows impressive blocking ability from his 6-foot, 190-pound frame. If Langeliers never hits, he still profiles as a solid backup option in today’s game that focuses on pitch-framing ability. But he does have potential as a hitter as well, despite a down sophomore season when Langeliers hit just .252/.351/.496. Scouts think he can become an average hitter thanks to a balanced swing and solid understanding of the strike zone. While Langeliers struggled to hit in 2018, he still got on base at a decent clip thanks to a 13 percent walk rate. Last summer, Langeliers was second on Team USA in hitting with a .346/.393/.500 line, and he has solid-average raw power, most of which comes easier to the pull side. A broken hamate bone forced Langeliers to miss parts of February and March this season, but he has hit well since returning. His .322/.366/.494 slash line through his first 20 games of conference play has given scouts further confidence that his 2018 season was more of an outlier than the norm. Langeliers defensive toolset is too appealing for him to fall much further than the middle of the first round, and depending on how a team views his offensive upside, he could go among the top-15 picks.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Track Record: Langeliers established himself as top defensive catcher in the 2019 draft class at Baylor and steadily raised his stock throughout his junior spring, leading the Braves to draft him ninth overall and sign him for an under-slot $3.9 million bonus. After making his brief pro debut at High-A Rome, Langeliers impressed at the alternate training site in 2020 and had a standout first full season at Double-A Mississippi in 2021. He finished third in Double-A South with 22 home runs and fourth with an .836 OPS while playing excellent defense behind the plate, earning a billing as the league’s best prospect.
Scouting Report: Langeliers’ defense is his primary asset, led by his plus-plus arm. He threw out 42% of attempted base stealers in 2021 and routinely records pop times to second base in the 1.90-second range with pristine accuracy. Pitchers love throwing to Langeliers and he has the makeup and baseball IQ to manage a staff, although he still needs to improve his pitch framing and mobility to become a true plus defender. Langeliers has continued to show above-average power as he’s moved further away from a hamate injury in college, and his 22 home runs came while playing his home games in a difficult hitter’s park. Langeliers will have to work to avoid creating holes in his swing—notably with high fastballs and sliders away—but he uses the entire field well and makes enough contact to be a fringe-average hitter. Braves officials have praised his ability to make adjustments.
The Future: Langeliers has a chance to make his big-league debut in 2022. If he reaches his offensive ceiling, he could be an above-average regular.
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Hitting: 50. Power: 50. Run: 40. Fielding: 60. Arm: 70.
Track Record: The No. 2 catcher in the 2019 draft behind Adley Rutschman, Langeliers was drafted ninth overall by the Braves and signed for an under-slot $3.9 million. Considered the best defensive backstop in the class, he immediately went to low Class A Rome for his pro debut and was a standout performer at the Braves’ alternate training site in 2020.
Scouting Report: Langeliers lives up to his reputation as a high-level defender by pairing a standout, 70-grade arm with impressive hands in receiving and a desire to consistently improve. He threw out 41% of basestealers in his pro debut and shows all the traits of at least a plus defender behind the plate. Langeliers has solid offensive tools as well. He impressed Braves officials with his ability to drive the ball with authority to right field at the alternate site, especially after he mostly pulled the ball in his debut. His bat projects more average than above and he still needs more reps against upper-level pitchers. Langeliers puts together quality at-bats and has enough strength to project average power.
The Future: Langeliers’ defense behind the plate will carry him up the ladder. He has a chance to become a first-division regular as long as his bat continues to develop. -
TRACK RECORD: Langeliers would have rated as the top catching prospect in a typical draft class, but had to settle for No. 2 thanks to first overall pick Adley Rutschman. The best defensive catcher in the 2019 draft, Langeliers missed parts of his junior season at Baylor with a broken hamate bone. He hit well when he returned, giving the Braves enough confidence to make him their first pick
SCOUTING REPORT: Langeliers shines on defense. He has an easy plus throwing arm and used that to throw out 41 percent of basestealers in his pro debut at low Class A Rome. Langeliers is also a polished pitch-framer who's handled plenty of premium stuff with USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team. He moves well behind the plate and consistently keeps balls in the dirt in front of him. Those defensive skills led to Austin Hedges comparisons, but Langeliers has a stronger offensive foundation than Hedges, with a chance to become an average hitter thanks to a balanced, fluid swing from the right side with gap power now that could get to above-average.
THE FUTURE: Langeliers' defense alone gives him a high floor as a major league backup, and if he reaches his offensive ceiling he could become a first-division regular. Langeliers could move quickly, but the Braves will look to maximize both his and William Contreras' at-bats.
Draft Prospects
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In a typical draft class, Langeliers would be a safe bet as the top catching prospect in the class, but this year he'll have to settle for the No. 2 spot behind Adley Rutschman. Langeliers has a well-rounded arsenal across the board, but his strengths are on defense, where he has plus arm strength and threw out nearly 70 percent of basestealers as a sophomore. He also handled plenty of premium pure stuff last summer with USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team and handled it well. Langeliers is a polished pitch-framer, and he moves well behind the plate and shows impressive blocking ability from his 6-foot, 190-pound frame. If Langeliers never hits, he still profiles as a solid backup option in today's game that focuses on pitch-framing ability. But he does have potential as a hitter as well, despite a down sophomore season when Langeliers hit just .252/.351/.496. Scouts think he can become an average hitter thanks to a balanced swing and solid understanding of the strike zone. While Langeliers struggled to hit in 2018, he still got on base at a decent clip thanks to a 13 percent walk rate. Last summer, Langeliers was second on Team USA in hitting with a .346/.393/.500 line, and he has solid-average raw power, most of which comes easier to the pull side. A broken hamate bone forced Langeliers to miss parts of February and March this season, but he has hit well since returning. His .322/.366/.494 slash line through his first 20 games of conference play has given scouts further confidence that his 2018 season was more of an outlier than the norm. Langeliers defensive toolset is too appealing for him to fall much further than the middle of the first round, and depending on how a team views his offensive upside, he could go among the top-15 picks.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Langeliers made a big impression on league managers with his combination of advanced catching ability and impact potential in the batter’s box. He won the best power prospect, best defensive catcher and most exciting player categories in Best Tools voting. His plus arm stands out most. His quick transfer and throwing accuracy contribute to consistent above-average pop times on throws to second base. He is a clean receiver and advanced game-caller to whom pitchers like to throw. He is a team leader who is working to improve his framing skill. Langeliers showed off big power in the league’s biggest park in Mississippi. His swing is geared to do damage with plus power and the strike-zone management to get to that power regularly. He should hit near the MLB average and contribute 20-plus home runs with above-average defense behind the plate. “He’s the type of guy where you could see anything in a given day,” Mississippi manager Dan Meyer said. “He could hit three home runs. He could make some ridiculous throws . . . Every throw seems to be spot on.”
Top 100 Rankings
Best Tools List
- Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the Atlanta Braves in 2020
Scouting Reports
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BA Grade: 55/High
Track Record: Langeliers was the top defensive catcher in the 2019 draft class and the Braves drafted him ninth overall for an under-slot $3.9 million bonus. After debuting in Rome for a partial 2019 season, Langeliers impressed at the alternate site in 2020 and ranked as the top prospect in Double-A South in 2021 thanks to standout defensive and power production.
Scouting Report: Langeliers' defensive ability is his calling card, and more specifically it's his 70-grade throwing arm that allowed him to throw out 42% of base stealers, a clip significantly above the 31% league average rate. He routinely pops in the 1.90-second range and managers rave about how his throws always seem to be right on the bag. Pitchers also seem to love throwing to Langeliers, and he has the makeup and baseball IQ to manage a staff well, though scouts note he could still improve as a pitch framer and with his mobility to get to a true plus defender. Langeliers has continued to show impressive in-game power as he's gotten further away from a college hamate injury, and his 22 home runs are more impressive when you consider Mississippi is among minor league baseball's least favorable hitter's parks. Langeliers will have to work to avoid creating holes in his swing—notably with high fastballs and sliders away currently—but he uses the entire field well. Atlanta player development officials have praised his ability to adjust.
The Future: After reaching Triple-A in his second pro season, Langeliers has a chance to make his big-league debut in 2022. If he reaches his offensive ceiling he could be an above-average regular.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 55. Speed: 40. Fielding: 60. Arm: 70. -
Track Record: Langeliers established himself as top defensive catcher in the 2019 draft class at Baylor and steadily raised his stock throughout his junior spring, leading the Braves to draft him ninth overall and sign him for an under-slot $3.9 million bonus. After making his brief pro debut at High-A Rome, Langeliers impressed at the alternate training site in 2020 and had a standout first full season at Double-A Mississippi in 2021. He finished third in Double-A South with 22 home runs and fourth with an .836 OPS while playing excellent defense behind the plate, earning a billing as the league’s best prospect.
Scouting Report: Langeliers’ defense is his primary asset, led by his plus-plus arm. He threw out 42% of attempted base stealers in 2021 and routinely records pop times to second base in the 1.90-second range with pristine accuracy. Pitchers love throwing to Langeliers and he has the makeup and baseball IQ to manage a staff, although he still needs to improve his pitch framing and mobility to become a true plus defender. Langeliers has continued to show above-average power as he’s moved further away from a hamate injury in college, and his 22 home runs came while playing his home games in a difficult hitter’s park. Langeliers will have to work to avoid creating holes in his swing—notably with high fastballs and sliders away—but he uses the entire field well and makes enough contact to be a fringe-average hitter. Braves officials have praised his ability to make adjustments.
The Future: Langeliers has a chance to make his big-league debut in 2022. If he reaches his offensive ceiling, he could be an above-average regular.
-
Langeliers made a big impression on league managers with his combination of advanced catching ability and impact potential in the batter’s box. He won the best power prospect, best defensive catcher and most exciting player categories in Best Tools voting. His plus arm stands out most. His quick transfer and throwing accuracy contribute to consistent above-average pop times on throws to second base. He is a clean receiver and advanced game-caller to whom pitchers like to throw. He is a team leader who is working to improve his framing skill. Langeliers showed off big power in the league’s biggest park in Mississippi. His swing is geared to do damage with plus power and the strike-zone management to get to that power regularly. He should hit near the MLB average and contribute 20-plus home runs with above-average defense behind the plate. “He’s the type of guy where you could see anything in a given day,” Mississippi manager Dan Meyer said. “He could hit three home runs. He could make some ridiculous throws . . . Every throw seems to be spot on.” -
Hitting: 50. Power: 50. Run: 40. Fielding: 60. Arm: 70.
Track Record: The No. 2 catcher in the 2019 draft behind Adley Rutschman, Langeliers was drafted ninth overall by the Braves and signed for an under-slot $3.9 million. Considered the best defensive backstop in the class, he immediately went to low Class A Rome for his pro debut and was a standout performer at the Braves' alternate training site in 2020.
Scouting Report: Langeliers lives up to his reputation as a high-level defender by pairing a standout, 70-grade arm with impressive hands in receiving and a desire to consistently improve. He threw out 41% of basestealers in his pro debut and shows all the traits of at least a plus defender behind the plate. Langeliers has solid offensive tools as well. He impressed Braves officials with his ability to drive the ball with authority to right field at the alternate site, especially after he mostly pulled the ball in his debut. His bat projects more average than above and he still needs more reps against upper-level pitchers. Langeliers puts together quality at-bats and has enough strength to project average power.
The Future: Langeliers' defense behind the plate will carry him up the ladder. He has a chance to become a first-division regular as long as his bat continues to develop. -
Hitting: 50. Power: 50. Run: 40. Fielding: 60. Arm: 70.
Track Record: The No. 2 catcher in the 2019 draft behind Adley Rutschman, Langeliers was drafted ninth overall by the Braves and signed for an under-slot $3.9 million. Considered the best defensive backstop in the class, he immediately went to low Class A Rome for his pro debut and was a standout performer at the Braves’ alternate training site in 2020.
Scouting Report: Langeliers lives up to his reputation as a high-level defender by pairing a standout, 70-grade arm with impressive hands in receiving and a desire to consistently improve. He threw out 41% of basestealers in his pro debut and shows all the traits of at least a plus defender behind the plate. Langeliers has solid offensive tools as well. He impressed Braves officials with his ability to drive the ball with authority to right field at the alternate site, especially after he mostly pulled the ball in his debut. His bat projects more average than above and he still needs more reps against upper-level pitchers. Langeliers puts together quality at-bats and has enough strength to project average power.
The Future: Langeliers’ defense behind the plate will carry him up the ladder. He has a chance to become a first-division regular as long as his bat continues to develop. -
Hitting: 50. Power: 50. Run: 40. Fielding: 60. Arm: 70.
Track Record: The No. 2 catcher in the 2019 draft behind Adley Rutschman, Langeliers was drafted ninth overall by the Braves and signed for an under-slot $3.9 million. Considered the best defensive backstop in the class, he immediately went to low Class A Rome for his pro debut and was a standout performer at the Braves’ alternate training site in 2020.
Scouting Report: Langeliers lives up to his reputation as a high-level defender by pairing a standout, 70-grade arm with impressive hands in receiving and a desire to consistently improve. He threw out 41% of basestealers in his pro debut and shows all the traits of at least a plus defender behind the plate. Langeliers has solid offensive tools as well. He impressed Braves officials with his ability to drive the ball with authority to right field at the alternate site, especially after he mostly pulled the ball in his debut. His bat projects more average than above and he still needs more reps against upper-level pitchers. Langeliers puts together quality at-bats and has enough strength to project average power.
The Future: Langeliers’ defense behind the plate will carry him up the ladder. He has a chance to become a first-division regular as long as his bat continues to develop. -
TRACK RECORD: Langeliers would have rated as the top catching prospect in a typical draft class, but had to settle for No. 2 thanks to first overall pick Adley Rutschman. The best defensive catcher in the 2019 draft, Langeliers missed parts of his junior season at Baylor with a broken hamate bone. He hit well when he returned, giving the Braves enough confidence to make him their first pick
SCOUTING REPORT: Langeliers shines on defense. He has an easy plus throwing arm and used that to throw out 41 percent of basestealers in his pro debut at low Class A Rome. Langeliers is also a polished pitch-framer who’s handled plenty of premium stuff with USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team. He moves well behind the plate and consistently keeps balls in the dirt in front of him. Those defensive skills led to Austin Hedges comparisons, but Langeliers has a stronger offensive foundation than Hedges, with a chance to become an average hitter thanks to a balanced, fluid swing from the right side with gap power now that could get to above-average.
THE FUTURE: Langeliers’ defense alone gives him a high floor as a major league backup, and if he reaches his offensive ceiling he could become a first-division regular. Langeliers could move quickly, but the Braves will look to maximize both his and William Contreras’ at-bats. -
TRACK RECORD: Langeliers would have rated as the top catching prospect in a typical draft class, but had to settle for No. 2 thanks to first overall pick Adley Rutschman. The best defensive catcher in the 2019 draft, Langeliers missed parts of his junior season at Baylor with a broken hamate bone. He hit well when he returned, giving the Braves enough confidence to make him their first pick
SCOUTING REPORT: Langeliers shines on defense. He has an easy plus throwing arm and used that to throw out 41 percent of basestealers in his pro debut at low Class A Rome. Langeliers is also a polished pitch-framer who's handled plenty of premium stuff with USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team. He moves well behind the plate and consistently keeps balls in the dirt in front of him. Those defensive skills led to Austin Hedges comparisons, but Langeliers has a stronger offensive foundation than Hedges, with a chance to become an average hitter thanks to a balanced, fluid swing from the right side with gap power now that could get to above-average.
THE FUTURE: Langeliers' defense alone gives him a high floor as a major league backup, and if he reaches his offensive ceiling he could become a first-division regular. Langeliers could move quickly, but the Braves will look to maximize both his and William Contreras' at-bats. -
In a typical draft class, Langeliers would be a safe bet as the top catching prospect in the class, but this year he'll have to settle for the No. 2 spot behind Adley Rutschman. Langeliers has a well-rounded arsenal across the board, but his strengths are on defense, where he has plus arm strength and threw out nearly 70 percent of basestealers as a sophomore. He also handled plenty of premium pure stuff last summer with USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team and handled it well. Langeliers is a polished pitch-framer, and he moves well behind the plate and shows impressive blocking ability from his 6-foot, 190-pound frame. If Langeliers never hits, he still profiles as a solid backup option in today's game that focuses on pitch-framing ability. But he does have potential as a hitter as well, despite a down sophomore season when Langeliers hit just .252/.351/.496. Scouts think he can become an average hitter thanks to a balanced swing and solid understanding of the strike zone. While Langeliers struggled to hit in 2018, he still got on base at a decent clip thanks to a 13 percent walk rate. Last summer, Langeliers was second on Team USA in hitting with a .346/.393/.500 line, and he has solid-average raw power, most of which comes easier to the pull side. A broken hamate bone forced Langeliers to miss parts of February and March this season, but he has hit well since returning. His .322/.366/.494 slash line through his first 20 games of conference play has given scouts further confidence that his 2018 season was more of an outlier than the norm. Langeliers defensive toolset is too appealing for him to fall much further than the middle of the first round, and depending on how a team views his offensive upside, he could go among the top-15 picks.
