PHOENIX -- Austin Hedges is a defense-first catcher. Always has been, always will be.
In practically every facet, Hedges is one of the game's elite backstops. Since his 2015 callup, he ranks among the league leaders in framing and caught-stealing percentage. He's widely regarded as an excellent game caller and blocker.
"He's as valuable as there is in Major League Baseball with his glove on his hand," said Padres manager Andy Green.
Hedges wears that defense-first label with pride. But he'd probably prefer if the gap between his glove and his bat weren't so large.