December 10, 2023
The Cleveland Guardians have reportedly signed free-agent catcher
Austin Hedges. The deal is a one-year contract for $4 million for the upcoming 2024 season. The expectation is that Hedges is going to be the backup to
Bo Naylor. Hedges is a solid defensive catcher, but his skills with the bat are not desirable. He slashed 184/.234/.227 with one home run and 16 RBI last season. Hedges won't be someone worth rostering in fantasy formats. Although, it's a nice pickup for the Guardians on a cheap one year deal.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Jon Heyman
August 1, 2023
The Texas Rangers are acquiring catcher
Austin Hedges from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, according to sources. It's unclear what the Pirates are getting in return, but it's unlikely to be anyone of significance in terms of minor-league prospects. The Rangers could use some more catching depth with
Jonah Heim (wrist) currently on the 10-day injured list with a left-wrist tendon strain. Texas hopes Heim can avoid season-ending surgery. Hedges is hitting just .180/.237/.230 with a homer, 14 RBI and 13 runs scored in 161 at-bats this year with Pittsburgh. The defense-first backstop should split playing time with
Mitch Garver in his new home. Back in Pittsburgh, rookie
Endy Rodriguez will now be given more playing time with Hedges out of the way.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
April 20, 2023
Pittsburgh Pirates catcher
Austin Hedges will return to the lineup Thursday versus the Cincinnati Reds and right-hander
Luke Weaver. Hedges got the day off in Wednesday's series finale against the Rockies while he's off to a rough start to his 2023 season. The veteran backstop is hitting just .136 without a home run in 25 trips to the plate, which isn't entirely surprising. Once a highly-regarded prospect, the 30-year-old has very much been a glove-first catcher with elite defense and an unproductive bat. While he boasts some pop, Hedges is a career .189 hitter alongside a .141 isolated power and .249 wOBA. Fellow catcher
Jason Delay is getting the lion's share of reps behind the plate for the Pirates and is hitting .313 with a homer and an .871 OPS across 35 plate appearances.
--Brenton KempSource: MLB.com
April 5, 2023
Pittsburgh Pirates catcher
Austin Hedges (concussion) was placed on the 7-day concussion injured list Tuesday due to a concussion he suffered in Sunday's game against the Reds. Hedges was struck by a foul tip and was eventually removed from the game. Catcher
Tyler Heineman was selected from Triple-A Indianapolis and relief pitcher
Edwin Uceta was designated for assignment in corresponding moves. Hedges has never been a fantasy asset and is off to a slow start this season, going hitless in his first nine plate appearances.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
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