The nomadic Athletics appear to have settled nicely in their temporary Sacramento home, and Langeliers has catapulted himself to the top of almost every offensive category in the American League. Behind the plate, the stocky Oregon native goes to great lengths to block balls.

By saving numerous difficult pitches, from becoming inning-extenders, he has at times single-handedly kept his team in the game. With a solid pop time of 1.88 avg., opposing teams always think twice before running on the third-year starter. He now commands respect around the league, and don’t look now, but the A’s are tied in first, albeit with a .500 record, and in late April. The team certainly has the pedigree to compete.

Drake Baldwin – Braves

The 2025 National League Rookie of the Year was faced with a tall order heading into camp this spring. Not only did he have to contend with Sean Murphy, a very capable defensive catcher and home-run-hitting presence in the Braves’ lineup, but he also had to compete with a former World Series-winning receiver in Jonah Heim.

Nothing was handed to Baldwin. He has earned every inning of playing time, and in turn, has gained the trust of the Braves pitching staff, while also tearing it up at the plate. While his pop time is around the league average, Baldwin will do everything possible to block a potential wild pitch, and he appears seasoned in his ability to frame pitches, well beyond his 25 years of age.