'Protectors extend contract with catcher Austin Hedges for one year'

The Cleveland Guardians have re-signed free agent catcher Austin Hedges to a one-year deal on Wednesday.

According to ESPN, the contract is valued at $4 million for Hedges, who will serve as a backup to starting catcher Bo Naylor.

In the 2024 season, Hedges recorded a .152 batting average with two home runs and 15 RBIs in 66 games. He started 46 games as a catcher.

Throughout his career, Hedges has a .186 batting average with 69 home runs and 238 RBIs in 752 games. He has played for the San Diego Padres (2015-20), Cleveland (2020-22, 2024), Pittsburgh Pirates (2023), and Texas Rangers (2023).