Don't sleep on the Athletics—they're making noise in the latest power rankings, and catcher Shea Langeliers is leading the charge.

Coming into the season, there were real questions about Oakland's pitching. The 2025 campaign was derailed by a shaky staff, and the front office made few moves over the winter to address it. But one key addition—right-hander Aaron Civale—has proven to be a steadying force. Through 41.2 innings, Civale is 4-1 with a sparkling 2.59 ERA and 33 strikeouts, giving the rotation a reliable anchor.

Offensively, the A's are doing exactly what was expected—and then some. Their team OPS of .726 ranks seventh in all of Major League Baseball, a testament to a lineup that's clicking on all cylinders.

While many assumed reigning AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz would be the offensive headliner, it's been Langeliers stealing the spotlight. Kurtz is performing well—leading the team with a .414 on-base percentage—but Langeliers is playing like his hair is on fire. He leads the club with a .336 batting average, 11 home runs, 22 RBIs, and 50 hits, making a strong case as the best catcher in baseball right now.

That surge hasn't gone unnoticed. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter bumped the A's from No. 11 to No. 10 in his latest power rankings, noting that Oakland has held at least a share of the AL West lead every day since April 18. Their two-game edge over the Texas Rangers is actually the largest division lead in the American League right now.

But maintaining that top-10 spot won't be easy. The Athletics face a stiff test this week with a three-game series against the red-hot St. Louis Cardinals starting Tuesday. It's a prime opportunity to prove whether the pitching staff is for real—and whether this team can sustain its momentum deep into the season.