Athletics All-Star catcher Shea Langeliers might miss the rest of the 2026 season after struggling a torn meniscus in his knee, sources instructed ESPN, one other blow to a staff already ravaged by accidents.
Langeliers, 28, suffered the damage on the basepaths and can determine whether or not to bear surgical procedure to restore the tear. If he does in order anticipated, he can be sidelined via the tip of the 12 months.
Regardless of his resolution, the damage is nearly sure to finish any commerce talks round Langeliers, thought to be among the many finest catchers in baseball. While the A’s didn’t plan to maneuver him, a number of groups hoped their stance would soften earlier than the Aug. 3 deadline, sources stated.
At 44-60 with an MLB-worst minus-122 run differential, the A’s have disenchanted due largely to a pitching employees sporting a 5.37 ERA.
Though the staff’s offense hasn’t reached expectations on account of a season-ending knee surgical procedure for slugger Brent Rooker and different accidents to Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson, Langeliers has been the heartbeat of the staff — and its finest participant.
Over 93 video games, Langeliers has hit .263/.332/.497 with 23 dwelling runs and 51 RBIs. One of the highest defensive catchers within the massive leagues, Langeliers’ arm is a weapon, catching 11 runners this season 35 stolen-base makes an attempt.
Acquired from the Atlanta Braves within the Matt Olson commerce in 2022, Langeliers has blossomed on the plate particularly, displaying elite energy for a catcher. He was simply on tempo to grow to be simply the third catcher in main league historical past with three consecutive seasons of no less than 29 dwelling runs.
Drafted out of Baylor with the ninth decide in 2019, Langeliers has grow to be one of the productive gamers in a robust class. Since Langeliers took over because the A’s full-time catcher in 2023, solely Cal Raleigh has extra dwelling runs than Langeliers’ 105.
Backup Jonah Heim, a former All-Star who has performed effectively in Langeliers’ absence this season and has been seen as a possible commerce candidate, will take over the A’s full-time catching obligation.
