REPORT: Cleveland Guardians Sign Austin Hedges To One-Year Contract
This postseason, a former member of the Cleveland Guardians won his first career World Series.
Now, this one-time Guardians player is reportedly making a return to Cleveland.
According to MLB Network insider and New York Post baseball columnist Jon Heyman, veteran catcher Austin Hedges has signed a $4 million contract with the Guardians.
Per MLB.com executive reporter Mark Feinsand, Hedges’ contract is for one year.
After spending just over two seasons with Cleveland, the 31-year-old spent the 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Texas Rangers.
He hit .184 with 34 hits, one home run, 16 RBI, five doubles, and a .461 OPS.
Defensively, Hedges had a .989 fielding percentage, catching nine runners stealing and surrendering just one passed ball in 567.0 innings behind the plate this year.
The 31-year-old was first acquired by Cleveland from the San Diego Padres during the 2020 season in the Mike Clevinger trade.
Oct 15, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (17) reacts after hitting a single against the New York Yankees in the second inning during game three of the NLDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Progressive Field.
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
In his two-plus seasons with the Guardians, Hedges hit .169 with 100 hits, 17 home runs, 61 RBI, 11 doubles, and a .502 OPS.
Defensively, he caught 27 runners stealing and surrendered just three passed balls in 1,617.1 innings behind the plate.
However, Hedges is known for being one of the premier teammates in MLB. In an article by Sports Illustrated’s Emma Baccellieri, Rangers outfielder Travis Jankowski described what Hedges means to whichever team he plays for.
“‘He cares about each and every pitcher as if they’re his brother. Every team, in my opinion, needs a guy like that who doesn’t get a ton of playing time but is so vital … He’s just a true guy who cares about his teammates and wants the best for each and every person in this clubhouse.’”
And now, the fan-favorite catcher is reportedly back in Cleveland.
