CLEVELAND, Ohio – In a baseball era dominated by analytics and offensive metrics, Austin Hedges represents the ultimate paradox. The Guardians’ backup catcher might be one of the least productive hitters in baseball, but he remains a critical piece for a team battling for a playoff spot.
When casual fans look at Hedges’ offensive numbers, the reaction is predictable: How can a team possibly justify giving at-bats to someone hovering around the Mendoza Line? It’s a question that bothers cleveland.com columnist Terry Pluto, as he pointed out on the latest Terry’s Talkin’ podcast.
“I get very upset when people start dwelling on Hedges,” Pluto said. “We’re talking about a backup catcher. People say, ”You know, if they had (Kansas City’s) Luke Maile or some other backup catcher, suddenly the team will win five more games.’ No.”
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Baseball’s statistical revolution has turned the focus on what can be easily measured – batting average, OPS, home runs – while overlooking the immeasurable impact certain players have on a team’s success. Hedges exemplifies some of that blind spot in modern analysis.
When Cleveland acquired Hedges from San Diego in the Mike Clevinger trade, the front office wasn’t looking at his offensive profile. They saw something far more valuable, as Pluto recalled when he talked to Guardians president Chris Antonetti after that deal was made.
“Chris Antonetti said, ‘I’m telling you, Terry, if you would really watch him, he’s one of the best catchers all around that we’ve ever seen,’ ” Pluto recalled. “ ‘ And in terms of, you know, not blocking the balls, but the way he handles pitchers and that he, he brings a special something to the team.’ ”
That special something is ability to connect with pitchers and guide them, understanding the nuances of game-calling that don’t show up in any statistical category. Hedges also helps set the tone for a clubhouse that has consistently outperformed expectations.
He was behind the plate Thursday afternoon as the Guardians pulled another game closer to their goal with a 3-1 win at Detroit.
Pluto doesn’t shy away from acknowledging Hedges’ offensive limitations.
“Well, because you look at the batting average and frankly, he’s one of the worst-looking hitters I’ve ever seen. I’m just, I’ll just leave it at that. It just is,” he said.
But next time you watch a Guardians game with Hedges behind the plate, watch how he interacts with pitchers between innings, how he frames pitches in crucial situations, and how the pitching staff responds to him. You might just see why Cleveland continues to value a .151 hitter as an essential piece of their playoff puzzle.
Here’s the podcast for this week:
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You can find previous podcasts below.