Guardians Name Stephen Vogt as New Manager

By Nathan Leko

Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

November 8, 2023

On Monday, the Cleveland Guardians announced that they have named Stephen Vogt as their new manager, making him the 45th skipper in franchise history. The selection process was extensive, with Vogt emerging as the preferred candidate over other notable names. Other. names included Craig Counsell of the Brewers, Carlos Mendoza of the New York Yankees, and Clayton McCullough of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Guardians were intent on finding a leader who embodies the organization’s core principles. The club is also willing to introduce fresh ideas to enhance the team’s strategic approach.

Club Thoughts

Out of an extensive list of potential candidates, Vogt distinguished himself, leading to his selection. Chris Antonetti, the Guardians’ president of baseball operations, expressed excitement about Vogt joining the team. He praised his outstanding character and relationship-building skills, which he cultivated over a 16-year playing career. Antonetti highlighted Vogt’s thoughtful approach to leadership and his alignment with the values of the team. He stated Vogt’s appointment as a move that promises a bright future for the club.

Taking Over for Tito

Vogt has big shoes to fill, following the departure of former manager Terry Francona. Francona left an indelible mark with the most managerial wins in franchise history during a substantial tenure. Unlike Francona, who had a wealth of managerial experience and two World Series titles before joining Cleveland, Vogt is relatively new to this role. He concluded his playing career in 2022. Vogt’s aspirations to manage were clear even before he ended his playing days. He served as a bullpen and quality control coach with the Seattle Mariners in 2023.

Vogt is highly regarded for his intelligence in baseball matters, leadership within the clubhouse, and the attributes he consistently demonstrated throughout his 10-year major league career with various teams. His sense of humor and ability to connect with players could be particularly beneficial for this young Guardians team, suggesting that Vogt’s tenure as manager could be a very successful match.