Austin Hedges made his feelings about his future with the Cleveland Guardians clear after their season ended Monday night. The veteran catcher hopes to return to Cleveland rather than see his time with the organization come to an end.
“I hope this isn’t the last time I put a Cleveland jersey on. I love it here,” Hedges said in the clubhouse after the Guardians lost to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. Mason Horodyski of WEWS shared the comments on X.
The 7-3 defeat at Tropicana Field ended Cleveland’s postseason run, with Tampa Bay winning the best-of-seven series four games to two. The Rays advanced to the World Series, leaving the Guardians to turn their attention to the offseason.
Hedges’ comments come as the Guardians face offseason decisions following another postseason appearance. Cleveland finished the regular season 85-77 and won the American League Central before advancing to the ALCS. The team fell short of reaching the World Series after struggling to contain Tampa Bay in the final two games.
The 34-year-old catcher appeared in 78 regular-season games in 2026 for Cleveland, finishing with a .247 batting average, a .325 on-base percentage, six home runs and 25 RBIs. His role extends beyond his offensive production, as he brings experience behind the plate and familiarity with the Guardians’ pitching staff.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
ALSO SEE: Poll: Who Will Win the World Series, Rays or Brewers?
Hedges is under contract through the end of the 2026 season and is eligible for free agency this offseason. His comments indicate that he would welcome another opportunity with Cleveland, but they do not guarantee a return or establish whether the organization intends to bring him back.
The Guardians must now evaluate their roster and determine which players will remain part of the club in 2027. For Hedges, the message after the elimination was straightforward: he wants to stay in Cleveland. Whether that happens will depend on the offseason decisions made by both sides.
More MLB Essentials
- Every MLB Team Payroll
- Richest MLB Players in History
- Best MLB Draft Steals of All Time
- Every MLB Lockout, Strike, and Work Stoppage
- MLB Dynasties: Most Dominant Teams Since 1969
- Best Place to Sit at an MLB Game, According to AI
