With the Boston Red Sox suddenly expected to buy ahead of the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline, we’re examining some of their most intriguing potential targets.
We’ve already assessed potential deals for Washington Nationals first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. and Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman, who have been linked to Boston in recent trade rumors. Another name that should excite Sox fans? Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers.
Pitching has been a major weakness for the A’s, who have lost 15 of their last 17 games. They’re now expected to sell key pieces — perhaps including Langeliers — in exchange for high-upside arms.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel recently gave a Langeliers trade only a 10 percent chance of happening. However, they acknowledged that “moving Langeliers with multiple years of control would bring back a whale of a package and the sorts of arms they could use.”
So, should the Red Sox pay up to acquire Langeliers before the deadline? Here’s our breakdown of the potential trade target:
An elite catcher
Red Sox fans should be drooling over the possibility of landing Langeliers, who has been among MLB’s best catchers for the last two seasons. This year, his 2.7 WAR is tied for second in MLB behind only Detroit Tigers backstop Dillon Dingler. His 4.0 WAR in 2025 ranked third among MLB catchers.
Langeliers is slashing .260/.329/.490 with 22 homers and 50 RBI through 90 games played in his first All-Star season. His 22 HR would tie Willson Contreras for most on the Red Sox. He belted 29 homers in 2024 and 31 in 2025.
Defensively, Langeliers has a big arm behind the plate and excels at throwing out runners with his elite pop time. Framing and blocking are weaknesses.
Where does he fit?
Langeliers would take over as Boston’s primary catcher, so either Carlos Narvaez or Connor Wong would be the odd man out. This would be a tremendous upgrade, especially offensively.
Contract situation
Langeliers and the A’s avoided arbitration last offseason with a $5.3 million deal for 2026. He has two arb years left before he hits the free-agent market after the 2028 season.
What would he cost?
If the Athletics decide to part ways with Langeliers, they will expect high-upside pitching in return. Fortunately for the Red Sox, they have the pitching depth to make such a move.
Left-handers Connelly Early and Jake Bennett could be A’s targets as young, MLB-ready arms. Top pitching prospects Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon will also almost certainly be on their radar.
Narvaez or Wong could be packaged in the deal to help the A’s shore up their catcher spot upon Langeliers’ departure.
Verdict
Make the move.
It’s unclear whether the A’s will actually make Langeliers available ahead of the deadline. If they do, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow should ring A’s general manager David Forst’s phone off the hook.
Langeliers is the type of player who would instantly make Boston a serious contender. He’d anchor the middle of the lineup with his right-handed power and, although there are some defensive shortcomings, he’d be a giant upgrade over the Red Sox’ current catching options.
The A’s would be hard-pressed to find a better trade partner. Boston has a bevy of young pitching talent and can afford to part ways with one or two arms in exchange for a significant offensive upgrade.
