The Cleveland Guardians have needed a collective effort to get to where they are right now.
And with just five games left in the regular season, Stephen Vogt’s team is now in a position to win the division.
Of course, all players deserve all the credit in the world for the effort they’ve put in.
However, as Dennis Manoloff pointed out on X, perhaps Austin Hedges deserves an honorable mention.
The veteran backstop has been stellar in his last seven games.
He has caught every inning, and in 63 frames of work, the Guardians have only given up 37 hits, five runs (all earned), 11 walks, and 70 strikeouts.
Moreover, the team has gone a perfect 7-0, logging a 0.71 ERA.
.@CleGuardians pitchers combined line in Austin Hedges’ past 7 GS (caught every inning):
63 IP, 37 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 11 BB, 70 K
Cle 7-0; 0.71 ERA
It’s got to be one of the greatest staff-handling runs by a backup catcher during a playoff chase, ever. @CleGuardPro— Dennis Manoloff (@dmansworld474) September 24, 2025
Manoloff claimed that it had to be one of the greatest staff-handling runs by a backup catcher in a playoff chase in MLB history, and it’s certainly hard to disagree with that statement.
Notably, there was a point when it seemed that the Guardians would have no choice but to turn to Hedges.
Bo Naylor was struggling mightily at the plate, and his defense also left plenty to be desired.
Stephen Vogt still stuck by the young backstop, knowing and hoping that he would be the future of the organization.
With that in mind, Hedges deserves a lot of credit for staying professional and ready for when his number was called.
While never much of an offensive force, he’s an elite defensive catcher, and he’s played a big part in the Guardians’ postseason run.
NEXT: Stephen Vogt Is Quietly Outperforming Expectations In First Two Seasons
