Guardians re-sign catcher Austin Hedges to a $4 million, 1-year contract

CLEVELAND (AP) — Catcher Austin Hedges re-signed with the Cleveland Guardians, agreeing Wednesday to a one-year contract worth $4 million.

Hedges, who had been eligible for free agency, gets the same base salary he had this season. He can earn $500,000 in performance bonuses for starts as a catcher: $125,000 each for 70, 75, 80 and 85.

Even though Hedges is the backup catcher, he has emerged as a key clubhouse leader on a squad that has won the AL Central three of the last four seasons.

Hedges said on Wednesday that both sides began to discuss a new deal toward the end of the regular season

“I told them this is where I want to be for years moving forward. I want to finish my career in Cleveland, whatever that means. If that means a year, if that means I can grind another 10 years out, then great,” he said. “I love the group coming back. I think we’re right in position to go win the division again. And it’s also that the group has now been a part of two deep playoff runs. A lot of young guys this past year got to witness what it’s like to make the playoffs and to be in there.”

Cleveland first acquired Hedges in 2020 from San Diego. He spent 2023 with Pittsburgh and Texas before returning to the Guardians in 2024.

The 33-year old was tied for fourth among AL catchers in defensive runs saved with nine. His 95 defensive runs saved since 2017 are the most in the majors among catchers.

He hit .161 with five homers and 10 RBIs in 180 plate appearances over 68 games, including 54 starts at catcher.

Hedges also made three pitching appearances in the ninth inning of losses, raising his career mound games to eight over the past three seasons.

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