The Cleveland Guardians’ decision to re-sign Austin Hedges has been met with mixed reviews.
While some like him as a clubhouse presence, others are concerned about his offensive struggles.
Whatever the case, the veteran catcher couldn’t be happier about this opportunity and is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team.
“However that goes,” Hedges said. “Whether that means catching a certain amount of games, catching every game, catching no games, it doesn’t matter to me. As long as I’m with this group and contributing to us trying to win a championship, that’s really the main reason why I signed back.”
The 33-year-old returned to Cleveland last season after a stint from 2020 to 2022.
This will be his third consecutive one-year contract with the organization, and he’s set to make $4 million, which can go up to $4.5 million based on incentives.
He’s one of the most respected voices in the clubhouse, not to mention one of the best defensive catchers in the game.
He finished third on the team in defensive runs saved and was tied for fourth among MLB catchers.
On the downside, he’s one of the worst hitters in baseball, even by the low standards of his position.
In 155 at-bats this season, he hit .161 with a .527 OPS, and at this point in his career, it’s not like he’s going to get much better.
If anything, he will only get worse.
That’s why some fans might not be thrilled about this news, but a team needs veteran leadership and solid defense, too.
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