The Cleveland Guardians, known for their frugal approach, recently re-signed backup catcher Austin Hedges to a one-year, $4 million contract. This move raised eyebrows as Hedges is one of the league's best defenders but a poor hitter. Since 2019, his wRC+ has been among the lowest.

The Guardians' Catcher Conundrum and the Search for Offense

Defense vs. Offense: The Austin Hedges Dilemma

The Cleveland Guardians are a tightfisted organization that spends infrequently. Their re-signing of Austin Hedges, a backup catcher with exceptional defensive skills but a woeful batting average, showcases their unique approach. Hedges, with a wRC+ of 39 since 2019, is at the bottom of the league in offensive performance. His inability to hit has led to questions about the Guardians' decision-making. However, his defensive prowess cannot be ignored. He is one of the league's best defenders at his position, emphasizing the importance of both aspects in a catcher. 2:The Guardians' decision to re-sign Hedges highlights their belief in the value of defense. In a game where every aspect counts, having a reliable defender behind the plate can make a significant difference. While Hedges' offensive shortcomings are evident, his other skills have allowed him to be an above-replacement-level player. This raises the question of whether teams should prioritize defense over offense when it comes to catchers.

The Free Agent Catcher Market: A Scarcity of Talent

The free agent catching talent this year is incredibly scarce. As we look at the available options, it becomes clear that finding a suitable replacement for Hedges is not an easy task. Only 10 players have produced at least 0.5 win in either 2023 or 2024, or are projected to do so in 2025. The remaining free agent catchers, such as Carson Kelly, Kyle Higashioka, and Yasmani Grandal, have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. 2:Carson Kelly, one of the younger players on the list, shows promise with his platoon splits. He hit.302/.388/.419 against lefties and held his own against righties. Kyle Higashioka, on the other hand, has a higher wRC+ but struggles with his average. Yasmani Grandal's overall numbers with Pittsburgh were better than expected, but he may not be the long-term solution. The scarcity of talent in the free agent market forces teams to make difficult decisions.

Contender-Curious Catching Situations

Looking at the teams that could be contenders or contender-curious, it becomes evident that most already have a perfectly good catcher. Only a few teams, like the Tigers, Padres, Cubs, and Twins, could stand to upgrade. These teams have a mix of recent top prospects, highly paid free agent signings, and homegrown breakout stars. 2:For example, the Tigers have Ryan Jeffers, who hit 21 home runs last year. Jake Rogers, on the other hand, is a superb defender but struggles with his hitting. The Twins may be counting on the Age of Dillon Dingler to dawn in the spring. These situations highlight the challenges teams face when trying to upgrade their catching position.

Running It Back: The Top Free Agent Catchers' Past Seasons

The top two free agent catchers, Carson Kelly and Kyle Higashioka, started the past season with different teams. Kelly was with the Tigers, and Higashioka was with the Padres. This shows that teams often prefer to stick with what they have rather than taking risks on new players. 2:Running it back with familiar faces seems to be the trend among teams. While there may be other options available, the comfort and familiarity of having a known quantity behind the plate often outweigh the potential benefits of a new player. This raises questions about the willingness of teams to take on more risk and explore new talent at the catcher position.