A quick look at Austin Hedges’ stats, and it may be confusing about how a backup catcher with a career OPS of .556 managed to get a $4 million contract.
But if you ask Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt about Hedges, he’ll tell you, “Whatever he’s making, it’s not enough.”
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That might be a bold claim to make, but it’s clear that Hedges is the heart and soul of the Guardians, and the team is better off with him on the roster.
Hedges may not be an All-Star-caliber player on the field, but the Guardians are well aware of his impact on the team in the locker room, in the dugout, and across just about every facet of the game.
Cleveland has reached the playoffs three of the last four seasons. In the one year they didn’t, Hedges was raising the commissioner’s trophy with the Texas Rangers.
Jun 1, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) walks on the field between innings during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
During a recent interview with MLB Network, Cleveland’s skipper doubled down on Hedges’ impact and what he means to the Guardians as a team.
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“Austin Hedges is the leader of that clubhouse,” proclaimed Vogt.
“He makes our pitchers better. He makes the position players better. He makes everyone around him better, and he’s a really good catcher and a really good hitter. And the numbers may not always back it up, but he has a .750 OPS the last six weeks of the season. he can hit, he’s a leader, he’s elite, and the value that he brings our clubhouse and our team is invaluable.”
The Guardians clearly understand the impact the Hedges has, even if the box score doesn’t always show it. If they didn’t, the front office wouldn’t have signed him to a contract for the 2026 season just a week after the team was eliminated from the postseason.
Hedges’ skill set as a true leader makes him a prime candidate to become a manager once his playing career is over. Vogt said in the interview that it’s certainly something he believes the veteran catcher is “open to it.”
Vogt continued, “Hedgey can do whatever he wants in this game. He’s an elite leader. He’s a smart baseball person, and I think he’s going to do whatever he wants.”