Braves Should keep Both William Contreras and Shea Langeliers
One position that has been volatile in Atlanta Braves’ recent history is none other than the catcher position.
With the recent addition of Manny Piña from the Milwaukee Brewers, the Atlanta Braves have four interesting names that they could utilize behind the plate this upcoming season or seasons to come.
Two of these catchers, William Contreras and Shea Langeliers, are young and have plenty of potential behind the plate. However, are both players needed in the organization, or could Atlanta see it fit to part ways with one, or both of these young standouts?
William Contreras
William Contreras, who spent plenty of time at Truist Park this past year due to injury-plagued Travis d’Arnaud, still has room to grow defensively. And his hitting has been subpar, as he hit .215 in 2021 with eight home runs and 23 RBI across 52 games with 163 at-bats.
One of the youngest 2021 World Series Champions is also in a tight spot when it comes to job security. With a catcher room loaded with talent, including a 2020 Silver Slugger in Travis d’Arnaud, newly signed Piña, and Langeliers in the minors, it would seem that Contreras would be the first man up if there was a trade offer.
With the Braves having their 2019 first-round draft pick waiting in the minor leagues, it could be hard to come up with reasons to keep Contreras in Atlanta.
Shea Langeliers
Shea Langeliers, the 2021 Braves Minor League Player of the Year, however, is a different story. Being the ninth overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, Shea has been electric in his time in the minor leagues.
Even with Langeliers not being completely ready for the big leagues, he is still a generational talent that could set the Braves up for success for years to come. Langeliers racked up 22 home runs in 2019 while slashing .258/.338/.498 and could prove to be an added power hitter to the already home-run hungry Braves roster.
Regardless of what level the former Baylor Bear plays, he continues to prove his worth as a top-10 MLB draft pick. With this young star only getting better, it seems like a no-brainer for Langeliers to stay in the organization.
The Verdict
If the Atlanta Braves choose to part ways with Langeliers over Contreras, many Braves fans would definitely question the choices made within the organization, and it’s clear why.
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Atlanta does not need to keep both, but if they could find a way to develop both of these players into a dynamic duo that could be in white and red for years to come, many Braves fans would be happy with security behind the plate.