Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that catcher Austin Hedges is returning to the Guardians on a one year deal worth $4 million and $500,000 worth incentives.

The 2026 season will be his fifth season in Cleveland stemming from two separate stints with the franchise.

Hedges has been renowned as one of the best locker room guys in Major League Baseball, serving as the leader.

It may not seem like it if you look at the stat sheet. In his 11 year career, Hedges has a career batting average of .185, with his career high average being .231 in 2018 while playing with the San Diego Padres.

But sometimes, it’s not always what you do at the plate, it’s also what you can do behind the plate. He’s one of the better fielding catchers, ranking in the 95th percentile in framing, as well as the 94th percentile in CS Above Average.

Consistently, he’s one of the better fielders in Major League Baseball, and had he been a better hitter, he’d probably be a Gold Glove catcher.

Not only that, he was critical in morale boosting when the Guardians made their playoff run in the 2025 season.

Guardians beat reporters Paul Hoynes and Joe Noga were talking about the importance that Hedges brings to a clubhouse and that even with such a porous batting average, his presence is irreplaceable.

“You can’t overlook locker room culture. And I know it’s easy to do. It’s easy to say, but I think that’s an important part on this club,” Hoynes said. “These guys looked to him. There was no question. He was the leader in the locker room... you’re taking a gamble if you let him walk.”

Shortly after, Hoynes referred to what made the Guardians bring him back after a season away from The Land.

“They let him go the one year they didn’t do anything. They brought him back. They went to the postseason,” Hoynes mentioned. “He’s more than just a mascot. This is a guy that can catch. He’s a really good, valuable defensive catcher.”

While he was gone, Hedges managed to win a World Series with the Texas Rangers.

Earlier this season, Hedges had a memorable quote that precisely explains why the locker room continues to gravitate to him.

“This game is too hard,” he explained, “and there’s too many dudes out there that probably want it more than you. So you just got to be a sicko, a psycho or a degenerate in some way, one way or another in order to just match that dude that’s trying to take money out of your pocket.”

The 2026 season will be Hedges’ 12th season as a pro, and will look to help the Guardians reach the playoffs for the second straight season.