The Cleveland Guardians recently signed catcher Austin Hedges to a new contract. They made sure to announce the signing in style.
Hedges, who played for the Cleveland from 2020 to 2022, agreed to a 1-year contract to return to the team. The Guardians posted the news on their official X account Friday with the perfect photo.
We have signed C Austin Hedges to a one-year Major League contract.
To make room on the 40-man, we have designated 1B Alfonso Rivas for assignment.
Welcome back, Hedgey! 😌#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/8YjPSj8W6L
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) December 15, 2023
Hedges is fresh off a 2023 World Series run with the Texas Rangers. He played in just one postseason game and 16 regular season games, primarily serving as backup to All-Star catcher Jonah Heim.
The lack of plate appearances didn’t stop Hedges from celebrating his team’s success during their unexpected playoff run. The man went viral for going nuts in the locker room alongside Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer when their team advanced to the ALCS (video here).
The shirtless photo used by the Guardians was likely sourced from another epic shirtless celebration after the 2023 World Series.
A few Guardians fans applauded the social media intern who chose the celebratory Hedges photo.
Unreal graphic ykw, you’ve convinced me
— eian (@itseian1) December 15, 2023
There were wrong photos to post for this…but this one was right. Glad to have our king back in our dugout
— C0RY (@c0ry024) December 15, 2023
THIS IS THE BEST PICTURE YOU COULDVE USED OMG
— Alys (@alys216) December 15, 2023
The 31-year-old catcher has a career batting average of .189 with an OPS of .568 in 9 MLB seasons. In his 3 seasons with the Guardians, he slashed .169/.228/.274 with 17 home runs and 61 RBIs.
Hedges is largely considered a defensive catcher with a strong arm for throwing out baserunners. His vibes, as evidenced by the photo, are also immaculate.
