Athletics' Shea Langeliers Riding Historic Start into Astros Series

Catcher's power surge puts him in rare company as A's host Houston

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:22am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a baseball game, with players' forms fractured into overlapping planes of color and shape.Langeliers' power surge injects excitement into an Athletics team seeking to rebound against division rival Astros.West Sacramento Today

Oakland Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers is off to a historic start, hitting five home runs in the first six games of the season. The last primary catcher to accomplish this feat was Hall of Famer Gabby Hartnett in 1925. Langeliers will look to continue his hot streak when the A's host the Houston Astros in their home opener.

Why it matters

Langeliers' power display is drawing comparisons to former A's slugger Mark McGwire, who also got off to a torrid start in 1992. The young catcher's early-season heroics have been a bright spot for an A's team that has struggled out of the gate, going 1-5 on their season-opening road trip. Langeliers' performance is raising expectations for the A's offense as they take on the division rival Astros.

The details

In the first six games of the season, Langeliers has smashed five home runs, tying a feat last accomplished by Hall of Famer Gabby Hartnett in 1925. Langeliers' power surge has included a career-high single-game total of two homers. The 25-year-old catcher led the majors in home runs entering Thursday's action after hitting 31 last season.

  • Langeliers hit his fifth home run of the season on Wednesday in a loss to the Atlanta Braves.
  • The Athletics open a three-game series against the Houston Astros on Friday night in West Sacramento, California.

The players

Shea Langeliers

A 25-year-old catcher for the Oakland Athletics who is off to a historic power-hitting start to the 2026 season.

Gabby Hartnett

A Hall of Fame catcher who was the last primary catcher to hit five home runs in the first six games of a season, accomplishing the feat in 1925.

Mark McGwire

A former slugger for the Oakland Athletics who also got off to a torrid home run pace to start the 1992 season.

Mark Kotsay

The manager of the Oakland Athletics, who praised Langeliers' hot start and development as a hitter.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros, who discussed his team's more patient approach at the plate to start the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Any time your name is mentioned with names like Mark McGwire, that's pretty cool.”

— Shea Langeliers, Oakland Athletics Catcher

“Shea had a great road trip. It doesn't surprise us, because, obviously, the second half of last season he became the hitter that he's showing he is right now. He had a great spring training. He's swinging the bat well.”

— Mark Kotsay, Oakland Athletics Manager

“I just think that we are just more patient. The first couple of games, it's the hype of the season and the emotions are high, but then we settled down. Let's not forget who we are. Let's go back to forcing these guys to throw pitches and have good swings.”

— Joe Espada, Houston Astros Manager

What’s next

The Athletics and Astros will begin their three-game series on Friday night in West Sacramento, California. Langeliers will look to continue his historic power surge against Astros right-hander Cristian Javier, whom he has faced just six times in his career.

The takeaway

Shea Langeliers' early-season power display has put him in rare company and provided a much-needed boost for an Athletics team looking to rebound from a slow start. As the A's host the division rival Astros, Langeliers' performance will be a key factor in determining if Oakland can turn things around and mount a challenge in the AL West.