Against all odds, Cleveland Guardians left-hander Parker Messick was selected for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. It was unexpected not because he doesn’t deserve it: he fully does, but few talent evaluators had him becoming an ace before the start of the season. His evolution on the mound has been amazing to witness.
The southpaw boasts an incredible 2.73 ERA in 112 innings this season, making a successful transition from spring training rotation hopeful to staff ace in a matter of months.
Messick was answering questions ahead of the All-Star festivities and was asked to discuss what it has been like to share the stage with so many talented rookies. It’s amazing how he praised his fellow young teammates and then talked about the importance of veteran leadership to guide them.
This led to him praising veteran catcher Austin Hedges, whom he named as the most impactful clubhouse leader on the Guardians.
“I feel like that’s kind of how Cleveland always is. We always have a bunch of rookies on board at all times. So, thankfully, we have a lot of good veteran leadership that really helps us out. But, yeah, it’s a lot of fun playing with a bunch of rookies,” he said.
"Thankfully, we have a lot of good veteran leadership that really helps us out. It's a lot of fun. Austin Hedges is a really leader." #Guardians All-Star SP Parker Messick with @J_Colavita12 on the youth on this team, veteran help in keeping this team in contention pic.twitter.com/3KBwkCumVU
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) July 13, 2026
About Hedges, he called him ‘a really big leader’ and also said that ‘he’s been the man for me behind the plate, and he does it behind the plate, he does it for all the pitchers, and he does it for all the hitters as well.’
It’s impossible to measure the impact that Hedges has had on a young, talented pitcher like Messick. The rookie lefty has said in the past how he just lets the veteran backstop call the pitches and guide him, and the results are out there to see: a sub-3.00 ERA and the sixth-highest fWAR output in the American League, at 2.8.
In addition to his usual contributions in pitch calling, framing, blocking, and throwing, Hedges is also getting it done as a hitter. Usually an awful offensive player, he is sporting a .289 batting average and a 116 wRC+ in 145 trips to the plate.
Hedges’ tandem behind the plate with Patrick Bailey has been phenomenal for Cleveland, and young pitchers like Messick are reaping the benefits. It’s nice to see the veteran getting the respect and recognition he deserves.
NEXT: Analyst Predicts When New Guardians Pitcher Could Be Called Up
