Shea Langeliers: The Rising Star Powering the A’s Offense

MESA, Ariz. – Shea Langeliers is still relatively new to the Major League scene, but the reigning American League Rookie of the Year already possesses a keen understanding of what it feels like when his swing is truly locked in. And lately, that feeling has translated into impressive production.

As temperatures soar in the Arizona desert, so too has Langeliers’ bat. Entering Friday night’s Cactus League game against the Cubs, the 23-year-old first baseman was 6-for-21 (.286) with three home runs and two doubles over his previous seven games. This recent surge mirrors the beginning of his Major League career.

Debuting last April, Langeliers went homerless for his first 17 games with the A’s. But then, the story unfolded. He blasted 36 home runs and 25 doubles in his final 101 games, delivering one of the most remarkable rookie campaigns in recent memory.

The Mechanics of Power

Earlier this spring, A’s manager Mark Kotsay proposed a theory: larger players like Langeliers (listed at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds) require more time to synchronize their mechanics and timing at the plate. “A lot of times, bigger players in size and frame, it takes a while for their mechanics and their timing at the plate to come together,” Kotsay explained. “We had a conversation about that.”

Langeliers hadn’t previously considered this perspective, but after discussions with Kotsay and director of hitting Darren Bush, he’s begun to embrace the idea. “The more they say it, the more I’m starting to feel pretty good now and it makes a bunch of sense,” Langeliers said. “Early on, the hits weren’t coming, but I was hitting the ball pretty hard and seeing good pitches. It just didn’t feel totally right. The last few days, it’s been feeling a lot better.”

He notes a similar pattern throughout his career. “It doesn’t happen usually right away. But they’ve got full confidence in me and I’m feeling pretty good and back to myself, so I’m pretty excited about it.”

Signs of a Hot Streak

All three of Langeliers’ recent home runs have travelled to left or left-center field – a clear indication of his strong swing. Last season, he led all Major League hitters with 18 opposite-field home runs. “When I’m doing that, that’s kind of my cue,” Langeliers said. “I’ve hit a couple of homers now that way and had a single [to left] the other day. That’s when I know things are getting close. I never say ‘I’ve found it’ or ‘It’s here,’ because I think that’s just bad karma. But it means we’re closer, and that’s a good thing.”

Preparing for a Full Season

This is Langeliers’ first full Spring Training with the A’s. Last year, he received a brief invitation to big league camp before joining the Minor League side. Now, with a guaranteed starting role and expectations as a key component of the A’s potent offense, he’s focused on preparing his body for a full 162-game season and avoiding the fatigue he experienced in the latter half of 2025.

“I think I got through [Spring Training] pretty good,” Langeliers said. “Talking to Kots and Bushy in the offseason, they were like, ‘You don’t need to be ready for the first game of Spring Training.’ You take those 20 or 30 games to get ready. That’s what it’s for. … I think I can truly take care of my body and be ready for a season where I can, hopefully, play 162 [games].” Stay up-to-date with the latest MLB trends here.

A Team on the Rise

Langeliers is expected to be the focal point of this young A’s squad, which has playoff aspirations. However, he’s just one piece of a powerful lineup poised to become one of the league’s best offenses. This spring, the A’s lead all teams in home runs (49) and rank second in runs scored (172), trailing only the Dodgers.

“We’re excited,” Langeliers said. “I don’t know how it’s been here in previous years, but the locker rooms I’ve been in for the preseason in college, there’s a similar feeling here of confidence and knowing we’re good. That’s what this locker room feels like. We know what we’re capable of. We’ve got higher expectations, but what else would you want? We’re ready to go.”