The Cleveland Guardians made history this season by coming from way back to win the AL Central, but the success was short-lived.
Cleveland faced the Detroit Tigers in the AL Wild Card round and was eliminated by the division rival.
The Guardians’ offensive shortcomings were costly, and there are plenty of questions to answer heading into the offseason.
However, the status of backup catcher Austin Hedges is no longer one of them, as he has signed a one-year contract to remain with the team.
“I want to finish my career here in Cleveland. … I want nothing more than to bring a World Series to the people here,” Hedges said.
"I want to finish my career here in Cleveland… I want nothing more than ot brig a World Series to the people here"#Guardians Austin Hedges speaks at length on his decision to return to Cleveland and his love for the city and culture.
Worth the listen: #GuardsBall @WEWS pic.twitter.com/svtlIAX2py
— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) October 15, 2025
This season, Hedges posted a .161 average in 155 at-bats, including five home runs, and his .527 OPS was tied for his best since 2021.
As valuable as Hedges’ defense and work with the pitching staff has been, at some point the team has to ask some tough questions regarding his offense.
Cleveland may be able to scrap and claw its way to the playoffs, but it’s unlikely it is going to get over the hump and win a World Series until it improves at the plate to compete with the best teams.
Of the 15 hitters who had at least 100 at-bats for the Guardians in 2025, 13 of them hit .224 or lower, which is untenable for a team that had just two hitters with more than 14 home runs.
The Guardians have to determine if they can continue to give Hedges 150 at-bats with how putrid the overall offense has been.
NEXT: Guardians Named Favorites To Sign Promising Catcher Prospect
