Cleveland Indians: Get to know the six players acquired from San Diego

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 17: Austin Hedges #18 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Texas Rangers in the top of the fourth inning at Globe Life Field on August 17, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Long time Padres starting catcher Austin Hedges will be joining the Indians after San Diego added Seattle’s Austin Nola and Jason Castro from the Angels in a separate trades.

Hedges has been with the Padres since 2015 and was their primary catcher from 2017-20. In his career, the 28-year old and former second round draft pick is slashing just .199/.257/.359 with 49 home runs and 146 RBI’s in his career but has consistently graded out as one of the best defensive catchers in baseball.

He has shown pop in his career despite his low batting average as in 2017, he smacked 18 home runs and 55 RBI’s.

This season Hedges has struggled at the plate; however, as in 29 games, he’s slashing just .158/.258/.333 and three home runs and six RBI’s but has again played great defense as he’s made just one error with only one passed ball allowed.

In Cleveland, Hedges will likely slide into the backup catcher’s spot as Sandy Leon is hitting just .130 on the season.

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