Guardians manager Stephen Vogt just praised Austin Hedges for a key trait that doesn’t show up in the box score—but changes games.NL
The Cleveland Guardians made a quiet but meaningful move this offseason, bringing back veteran catcher Austin Hedges. On paper, it’s not the kind of signing that turns heads-Hedges isn’t going to light up the box score or carry a lineup. But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear why this move makes sense for a team looking to build something sustainable under new manager Stephen Vogt.
Vogt didn’t mince words when asked about Hedges’ impact. “Whatever Hedges is making, it’s not enough,” he said.
“Austin Hedges is the leader of that clubhouse. 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.
The value that he brings in our clubhouse and our team is invaluable.”
That’s high praise from a first-year manager, especially one who knows a thing or two about the demands of the catcher position. Vogt’s not just throwing out clichés-he’s pointing to the kind of intangible value that doesn’t show up in a stat line but makes a real difference over a 162-game grind.
Let’s be honest: Hedges isn’t here to hit cleanup. Offensively, he’s struggled for most of his career. But the Guardians didn’t bring him back to chase Silver Sluggers-they brought him back to anchor a young pitching staff and help mold the next generation behind the plate.
Bo Naylor is still expected to get the bulk of the starts, and rightfully so. He showed flashes late last season after a rocky start, and the Guardians are invested in his development. Having someone like Hedges in his ear-between innings, in the bullpen, in the film room-is a huge asset for a young catcher still finding his rhythm in the big leagues.
And then there’s Cooper Ingle, the highly touted prospect waiting in the wings. He’s not quite ready yet, but when his time comes, he’ll be stepping into a catching room that’s been shaped by one of the best defensive minds in the game. That’s how you build a foundation-by surrounding young talent with the kind of leadership that sets a standard.
Financially, this wasn’t a splashy deal. The Guardians didn’t have to outbid anyone or stretch their payroll.
It was a low-risk, high-culture move. Every team needs a guy like Hedges-the glue guy, the tone-setter, the veteran who knows how to navigate a long season and keep the clubhouse steady when things get bumpy.
Sure, the Guardians still need to address their offense. That’s the clear next step if they want to contend.
But not every addition has to be about power numbers or OPS. Some are about presence.
And with Hedges, the Guardians added a presence that resonates far beyond the box score.
In the end, this move isn’t about what Hedges does with the bat. It’s about what he brings to the dugout, the bullpen, and the clubhouse. And sometimes, that’s exactly what a young, evolving team needs most.
