TEXAS RANGERS HAS FINALLY OWNED THE RACE BY SIGNING.

Leader of the Rangers’ clubhouse Austin Hedges is nearing an agreement to go back to Cleveland.

Austin Hedges and the Cleveland Guardians have reached an agreement on a $4 million, one-year contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations, who told The Associated Press on Sunday. Hedges is a popular veteran catcher.

The person who spoke on the condition of anonymity stated that Hedges, who played for Cleveland from 2020 to 22, will sign the contract after passing a physical because the deal cannot be completed until the medical examinations are finished.

Using their catching, the Guardians traded Christian Bethancourt to the Miami Marlins on Sunday, making two moves. In exchange, Cleveland, which on November 6 claimed Bethancourt off waivers, will get cash.

Hedges is a strong defensive player and, perhaps most importantly, a leader in the clubhouse despite his lack of offensive prowess. Last season, the Guardians missed having him around, especially as a role model for the younger players.

With the Texas Rangers, Hedges won a World Series at the end of the previous season. Against Arizona, he had one at-bat and was struck out.

Like Hedges, he was a journeyman catcher, and the new Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt will find him useful.

Hedges, 31, batted.184 (34 for 185) in his season-ending doubles with Texas and Pittsburgh. He was acquired by the Rangers prior to the trade deadline, and in four games, he pitched for them, recording a 4.91 ERA in 3 2/3 innings.