Quality catching is scarce in the major league today. While the Braves have gotten solid production from their catching duos the past few seasons, the reality is that father time is not in favor of Tyler Flowers or Brian McCann. They are on short-term deals. Down the road, this could be the Braves’ biggest need, and they filled that tonight in their selection of catcher Shea Langeliers from Baylor ninth overall.
Langaliers is known for his elite defense. Many think it is better than first overall pick Adley Rutschmann’s, and that is saying something. When selected, many of the MLB Network crew said that he is a future Gold Glover. We all know that baseball is emphasizing the defensive aspect of catching nowadays, and it seems like his defense alone can get him to the big leagues. According to mlb.com, he has had 1.8-second clockings during his gameplay and features an absolute cannon.
The good news is he is pretty good with the stick as well. Langaliers got hotter as the season dwindled after recovering from a busted hamate bone on his catching hand. That should speak for the type of player Langaliers is. Tough and hard-nosed – I think Dan Quinn would like him.
Just a couple days ago, he hit three dingers and set an NCAA tournament record with 11 RBIs in an NCAA regional elimination game. Here’s a link to the highlights.
Between Langaliers and William Contreras, Braves fans should be confident that one of the two can become a regular within the next few seasons. Here is what VP of scouting Dana Brown said about the pick:
"We think we can get him here quick to the big leagues. We think he's that type of player. It's elite defense."
— @Braves VP of scouting Dana Brown on 9th overall pick Shea Langeliers pic.twitter.com/aHdAQRHrJ9
— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) June 4, 2019