Veteran catcher has agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Guardians to return next season as a backup to Bo Naylor.
The contract is valued at $4 million, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.
Cleveland highlighted his leadership as a key influence on the team’s success this season, which saw them finish with a 92-69 record and capture the AL Central title under rookie manager Stephen Vogt. The Guardians triumphed over Detroit in a hard-fought division series before falling to the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series.
Hedges played a key role as a clubhouse liaison for manager Stephen Vogt, who had to manage multiple pitching staff injuries early in the season. The 32-year-old catcher also mentored Bo Naylor and appeared in eight of Cleveland’s 10 postseason games.
Hedges indicated his desire to return during his exit interviews, and the feeling was reciprocated by the team.
“He’s not just the mascot; this is a really good player,” Vogt said following the season. “He’s so much more to us than what any outside source can see. He helps us get better. He helps me get better. He challenges the coaching staff. He challenges his teammates and he brings the energy every single day.
“And, he’s a very, very good major league baseball player. You don’t stay in the league as long as he’s been here by accident.”
Hedges had rejoined Cleveland after a season with Pittsburgh and Texas in 2023, where he won a World Series title.
During his time with the Guardians, Cleveland posted a 26-20 record in the 46 games he started. Although Hedges struggled at the plate, he played a key role in the postseason, starting games and stepping in for Naylor late in high-pressure situations due to his veteran experience.
Before returning to Cleveland, Hedges spent over five seasons with San Diego, joining the Guardians in a trade midway through the 2020 season.
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