Catcher Austin Hedges has reached an agreement to renew his contract with the Guardians, signing a one-year deal worth $4 million.
Hedges, who was eligible for free agency, will maintain the same base salary he received this season. In addition, he can earn $500,000 in performance bonuses based on his appearances as a catcher, with bonuses of $125,000 for every 70, 75, 80, and 85 starts.
Despite his role as a backup receiver, Hedges has established himself as a key leadership figure in the locker room of a team that has dominated the American League Central Division in three of the last four seasons.
The Guardians acquired Hedges in 2020 from the San Diego Padres. In 2023, he played with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Texas Rangers before returning to the Guardians in 2024.
At 33 years old, Hedges ranked fourth among American League catchers in defensive runs saved, with nine. Since 2017, his 95 defensive runs saved are the most in Major League Baseball for a catcher.
In 68 games, including 54 starts as a catcher, Hedges batted .161, with five home runs and 10 RBIs in 180 plate appearances.
In addition, Hedges made three appearances as a pitcher in the ninth inning of lost games, adding eight games on the mound in the last three seasons.
