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Guardians Reach Agreement with Familiar Face for Next Season

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Sources close to the negotiations have informed ESPN’s Jeff Passan that catcher Austin Hedges and the Cleveland Guardians have come to terms on a one-year contract. Hedges will rejoin the Guardians, assuming a key backup role to Bo Naylor. There’s no word yet on the financial details, but Hedges will return to Cleveland. The 32-year-old slash only .152/.203/.220 with two home runs in 66 games for the Guardians this season. However, he is lauded for his defense and handling of a pitching staff.

Austin Hedges Stays with the Guardians

Cleveland announced earlier this week that utilityman David Fry had undergone elbow surgery. Fry will miss 6-8 months and will limit him to designated hitter duties for 2025. Signing Hedges provides the Guardians a capable backup for Naylor, whom Hedges mentored with Fry throughout the 2024 season.

Hedges, who played in Cleveland from 2020-22, is solid defensively and importantly, he’s clubhouse leader. The Guardians missed his presence in 2023 after Hedges finished that season winning a World Series with the Texas Rangers. He got one at-bat against the Arizona Diamondbacks and struck out.

Hedges’ 2024 campaign was marked by impressive defensive contributions behind the plate. In his 46 starts, the Guardians went 26-20 (.565), with Cleveland pitchers posting a 3.93 ERA (173ER/396 2/3 IP) across his 65 total games catching. Hedges recorded 5 Defensive Runs Saved, demonstrating his skill in preventing opposition scoring. According to Statcast, he was credited with +6 Catcher Framing Runs, ranking 8th in MLB, following a +13 performance in 2023. His blocking abilities placed him in the 75th percentile among MLB catchers in Blocks Above Average.
Hedges also played a key role in the postseason, appearing in 8 of 10 games and catching 35 of 89 total innings. Over the past two seasons, the Guardians have excelled with Hedges as starter, boasting a 60.1% win percentage (86-57) in his 97 starts at catcher, including 2022.

The Addition Bolster’s Cleveland’s Depth

The addition of Hedges not only bolster’s Cleveland’s catching depth, but it also reunites the team with a respected clubhouse leader. With Fry’s injury limiting to DH duties, Hedges’ signing takes on added importance. Hedges’ return ensure continuity and stability behind the plate.
As the Guardians look to build on their recent success, Hedges’ defensive expertise and postseason experience make him a valuable asset. His ability to guide the team’s young pitching staff and provide a steady presence in the clubhouse will be crucial.
Main Photo: © Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

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