Braves Select Baylor Catcher Shea Langeliers With Ninth-Overall Pick in 2019 MLB Draft

The Atlanta Braves just shocked a lot of teams. With the ninth-overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, the Braves selected catcher Shea Langeliers.

The Atlanta Braves are expected to take Baylor catcher Shea Langeliers with the No. 9 pick in the MLB Draft, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 4, 2019

Langeliers is the second-best catching prospect behind first-overall pick Adley Rutschman, and for a good reason. Langeliers is an outstanding thrower, and an amazing defender.

He's thrown out 56% of runners this year, which will go a long way in getting him in the lineup more often than not in the majors.

10 Things to know about Shea Langeliers, who was taken by the Braves with the ninth overall pick https://t.co/tcoXVpY8Ds
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 4, 2019

Langeliers has also developed well as a hitter, as in 2019 he's hit .315 with 10 homers and 42 runs batted in, a big step up from his .252 batting average last season. At the worst, Shea becomes an average hitter with above average power, and will still have amazing defensive ability, which is still a great pick at this juncture.

#Braves top pick Shea Langeliers had an 11-RBI game, yes, you read that correctly, for @BaylorBaseball. Three bombs in that one as well. That's pretty good. pic.twitter.com/EqQHbLbuN6
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) June 4, 2019

Langeliers is perhaps the perfect pick for the Braves, as they have an incredible staff of pitchers in the minors like and the majors, and he is an excellent choice to work with those young arms. You thought Max Fried and Mike Soroka were good now? Just wait until they get to work with a guy like Shea.

Congratulations on getting selected by the Braves, Mr. Langeliers. You should enjoy working with all of that amazing pitching talent.