Young, but mighty: Langeliers, Gelof highlight A's night of HRs

CHICAGO -- The youth movement is here in Oakland.

After Shea Langeliers launched two home runs earlier in the game, rookie Zack Gelof followed that up with a go-ahead two-run homer in the A’s 8-5 win over the White Sox on Thursday evening at Guaranteed Rate Field.

“Feels great to win,” Gelof said. “Our bullpen came up big, and then we had really good at-bats all day. It just feels that much better after a day struggling at the plate.”

When the A’s received Langeliers in the blockbuster deal for Matt Olson, Oakland was getting a catcher with excellent defense and power at the plate. That power is finally coming together in the big leagues.

Following a surge against the Royals earlier this week -- when the catcher hit two homers in three games -- Langeliers continued his hot streak on Thursday.

In the fourth inning, he connected on a slider for a three-run homer to give the A’s an early lead. Then, in the sixth, he blasted another long ball for his second career multihomer game.

“I’ve been around Shea all year, and I’ve seen how much he’s grinded looking at videos and looking at pitch selection stuff,” Ken Waldichuk said after allowing five runs across five innings. “It’s great to see those results come.”

Langeliers’ 15 home runs extend his career high in his first full MLB season. The power, though, is nothing new for the catcher, after slugging 22 homers in 2021 with Double-A Mississippi and 19 with Triple-A Las Vegas last season.

With Langeliers hitting his fourth homer in as many games, the A’s are finally seeing what type of player he can become in the future.

“Shea’s been working really hard,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “He’s made some adjustments. He’s getting through the bat a lot better. It’s just a great sign. This kid works really hard, and he’s been grinding all year. So this is a really nice stretch for him and one that we know he’s capable of.”

Gelof is another player who continues to show what he’s capable of at the Major League level. It’s a small sample, but the rookie has been on a tear at the plate -- setting franchise records that stood for more than 35 years.

His go-ahead homer in the seventh gave the rookie his 10th long ball in just 35 games. That’s the quickest any player in A’s history has reached 10 homers, passing Mark McGwire’s record (41 games) set in 1987.

But Gelof has bigger goals in mind than just this milestone.

“It’s pretty cool,” he said. “I think it’s just getting off to a good start in the big leagues is pretty cool. But it’s not something I set out to do. I just want to be a big leaguer for a long time and win.”

Gelof’s fast start has been impressive to watch. He’s slashing .294/.360/.610 with 10 homers, 11 doubles and 19 RBIs on the season. He has reached base in 20 of 21 games in August and is hitting .346 with seven home runs during the month.

“It’s great,” Kotsay said. “He showed us signs during Spring Training. … He did everything possible to make this team, [but] we felt like he needed a little bit more time in Triple-A. He didn’t put his head down, didn’t mope, didn’t pout, worked his tail off there, and he’s getting his opportunity now to show why he should have started the season here.”

Added Waldichuk: “Gelof is just exciting to watch. Every time he’s up, you stop what you’re doing and you watch him go.”

The hot start has given Gelof plenty of confidence at the plate to begin his MLB career. However, the rookie understands the importance of ending the season strong heading into 2024.

“It’s crucial,” Gelof said. “I think whenever you step on the field, it’s about winning and going about your work and learning how to be a professional."

As the A’s head into the final 34 games of the season, the team wants to see the continued development of some of its younger players. Langeliers and Gelof have flashed their potential so far, and Oakland hopes that continues into 2024.

“This team right now -- outside of a few guys -- is really young,” Kotsay said. “They’re getting an opportunity to form their identity, play together, and it’s nice that they're winning together right now. That’s a good sign.”