The Cleveland Guardians march to the beat of their own drum, and it usually works out reasonably well for them. However, if this franchise is going to ascend to the next level and return to the World Series for the first time since 2016, it may need to open up the checkbook a bit more. Ownership is doing just that on Tuesday night, but surprisingly, the team's backup catcher is the recipient. Defensive savant Austin Hedges is re-signing with the Guards on a $4 million contract , per Jon Heyman of the New York Post and MLB Network.

The deal also includes $500 thousand in incentives. That is a pretty penny to pay for a .185 career hitter who will continue to play behind Bo Naylor. Hedges ranked in the top-five in catcher stealing runs and catcher framing runs during the 2025 campaig

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