Few players wear their heart on their sleeve quite like Austin Hedges, and Saturday night in Kansas City was no exception. Once the White Sox loss to the Rockies became official and the Cleveland Guardians could finally celebrate a third straight AL Central title, the veteran catcher was one of the loudest voices in the visiting clubhouse. Soaked from the celebration and grinning from ear to ear, Hedges stood in front of a division champions backdrop and did not hold anything back. For a player who has spent parts of six seasons in Cleveland, the moment clearly meant a great deal. Hedges delivered a simple message straight to the city he has come to call home.
“I LOVE CLEVELAND WITH ALL MY HEART BABY!!” Hedges said.
“I LOVE CLEVELAND WITH ALL MY HEART BABY!!”
-Austin Hedges pic.twitter.com/TID4YWYMKZ
— McNeil (@REFLOG18) September 27, 2026
Saturday’s clinch gives Hedges four AL Central titles in a Cleveland uniform, and this will be his fifth trip to the postseason with the organization. Very few players on this roster have been around for as much of this run as he has.
His value has never been measured by the box score alone. Hedges has long been regarded as one of the best defensive catchers in baseball, and his work calling games is a big reason the Guardians have kept bringing him back. He is also one of the most important personalities in the clubhouse. Stephen Vogt has gone out of his way in the past to say that Hedges is far more than a fun presence, crediting him for pushing teammates and coaches alike while bringing energy every single day. He has even taken the mound in a handful of lopsided losses over the last few seasons to save the bullpen, which says plenty about his willingness to do whatever the team needs.
This year, though, Hedges has added something new to the mix. He is hitting .249 with six home runs, 25 RBIs and a .708 OPS, a massive jump for a player who hit .161 last season and entered 2026 as a career sub .190 hitter. He has kept that going in September, drawing seven walks with a .361 on base percentage while splitting time behind the plate.
That combination of experience, defense and a surprisingly productive bat makes him a valuable piece heading into October. The Guardians will open the American League Division Series on Oct. 3 at Progressive Field, and Hedges is one of the few players in that clubhouse who knows exactly what it takes to win a championship.
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