Insider Predicts Red Sox Could Target Athletics Catcher Shea Langeliers

A potential trade deadline blockbuster could bring Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers to the Boston Red Sox, according to a prediction from New York Post insider Joel Sherman, as Sports Illustrated first reported.

Reporting from the New York Post indicates that Boston is in need of a right-handed bat and an upgrade at the catcher or shortstop positions. Sherman suggests that the Red Sox could potentially use young starters Payton Tolle, Connelly Early, or Jake Bennett as trade bait to secure Langeliers.

According to Sports Illustrated, the feasibility of such a move depends on whether the Athletics are willing to part with one of the game's most dependable and best-hitting catchers. Langeliers currently has two seasons remaining with the A's, which would include their first season in Las Vegas.

Sports Illustrated further notes that while moving a starter makes sense given Boston's lefty-dominant rotation, the timing is complicated by injuries to pitcher Connelly Early and ace Garrett Crochet, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Sherman also noted that moving a starter could allow Boston to pursue other options, such as San Diego's Michael King.