Austin Hedges’ Future With the Guardians Appears Uncertain

Austin Hedges stood in the middle of the Cleveland Guardians clubhouse after their Game 5 in the ALDS, just like he did when the team won the American League Central.

He introduced the player of the game and manager Stephen Vogt so that he could give his own victory speech.

That’s who Hedges has been as long as he’s been on Cleveland’s roster over the last half-decade: the clubhouse leader, the glue, the player who makes an impact that will never be seen in a box score, and an occasional relief pitcher when the game is out of reach.

The Guardians have valued Hedges’ impact so much that they’ve brought him back every season since parting ways in 2023, the only season Cleveland hasn’t been in the playoffs over the last four years.

However, as the offseason gets underway for the Guardians, Hedges’ future with the team is uncertain, and there’s a realistic chance the team needs to find a new face in the clubhouse in 2027.

President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti said last Thursday that he had a long talk with Hedges earlier in the week. Antonetti made sure Hedges knew how much he appreciated everything he had done for the team.

In the same breath, the Guardians executive also admitted that it’s impossible to predict the future. There is a scenario that plays out with Hedges on a roster other than Cleveland’s on Opening Day next year.

“We don't know what the future is going to hold,” Antonetti said.

“he's earned the right to see what's out there in a market, but that doesn't diminish or take away any of the our appreciation for the contributions he's made.”

Even though Hedges is 34 years old, he proved last season that he still belongs on a big-league roster. The backstop was still around league average in framing and pop time, and Hedges even had the best year of his career at the plate, recording a wRC+ of 100.

Hedges also turned into Parker Messick’s primary catcher as the season played out, and that kept the rookie in Cy Young consideration throughout the year.

If it were up to Hedges, he’d play in Cleveland forever. He stood in front of his locker after the team was eliminated in the ALCS and made it clear that he hoped that game wasn’t the last time he’d put on a Guardians jersey.

If you need more proof of Hedges’ love for Cleveland, his walk-up song being “’Till I Die” by city native MGK is just one example of that.

That said, there is a business element to baseball, and that could be a hurdle in finding room for Hedges on next year’s roster. The front office is concerned about how much Hedges means to the organization, but they also need to think about the team's long-term future.

The Guardians' primary catcher moving forward is Patrick Bailey. They also need to see what Cooper Ingle can do at the big-league level, and the outfield experience isn’t one Cleveland should be eager to give another try.

Hedges wants to be in Cleveland, and the front office knows what he brings. However, that doesn’t guarantee the Guardians will have a roster spot for the veteran next year.