Catcher Austin Hedges, Pirates finalize $5M, 1-year contract

Austin Hedges FILE -Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges throws out Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco at first base during the sixth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Cleveland. The Pittsburgh Pirates and veteran catcher Austin Hedges agreed to a $5 million, one-year contract on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022 according to a person familiar with the negotiations.(AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File) (Ron Schwane/AP)

By The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Catcher Austin Hedges and the Pittsburgh Pirates completed their agreement Tuesday on a $5 million, one-year contract.

The 30-year-old played for Cleveland last season, batting .163 with seven homers and 30 RBIs in 105 games. Hedges helped the Guardians win the AL Central.

Hedges was selected by San Diego in the second round of the 2011 amateur draft. He set career highs with 18 homers and 55 RBIs in 120 games for the Padres in 2017.

Pittsburgh went 62-100 this year in its fourth consecutive losing season.

He is a .189 hitter with 66 homers and 207 RBIs in 605 career games for San Diego and Cleveland.

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