Overview

• The Rangers acquired catcher Austin Hedges from the Pirates for international bonus pool money.
• Hedges is known as an elite defensive catcher but one of the worst hitters in MLB.
• Hedges has very poor offensive statistics, including a .180 batting average and .230 slugging percentage.
• The Rangers believe Hedges can help guide their pitching staff despite his weak hitting.
• The trade allows the Pirates to add funds to sign international players.