The Texas Rangers’ backup catcher who became a fan favorite in the clubhouse, has signed a free agent contract with the Cleveland Guardians.
Some of the key pieces of the Texas Rangers’ World Series-winning team are starting to disappear.
Perhaps none bigger from a locker room perspective is Austin Hedges.
The backup catcher was often the heart and soul — and buttocks — of the Rangers’ locker room personality during the stretch run and through the postseason.
Hedges has agreed to a $4 million, one-year deal with the Cleveland Guardians, according to multiple reports.
The Rangers acquired Hedges in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Aug. 1 for future considerations as emergency insurance with starting catcher Jonah Heim battling an injury.
Hedges didn’t play much for the Rangers, but he quickly became a beloved member of the clubhouse, especially after manager Bruce Bochy asked in front of cameras, “What’s the number on Hedge’s ass?”
Hedges started writing the number of wins necessary for the club to win the World Series on his buttocks.
Hedges was traded from the San Diego Padres to the Guardians on Aug. 31, 2020, and played two full seasons in Cleveland before signing with the Pirates as a free agent in December 2022.
He only appeared in 15 games as a catcher for the Rangers and one as a designated hitter, but he made four relief appearances in blowout losses to help save bullpen arms in the final 35 days of the regular season. He had a 4.91 ERA in 3.2 innings. He batted. 208 with two RBI in 25 plate appearances for Texas.
