Guardians Hire New Manager

 

The Cleveland Guardians have named their new manager, and no, it's not Craig Counsell, but rather a young first-time field boss, Stephen Vogt. 

Guardians announced they’ve hired Steven Vogt to manage. Great up and coming choice. They understood it was going to be hard to outbid hometown Brewers snd deep-pocketed Mets for Craig Counsell.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 6, 2023

It's a three-year deal, and as noted by Insider Jon Heyman, Vogt is a "Great up and coming choice." The Guards, he says, understood it was going to be hard for them to outbid the hometown Milwaukee Brewers snd deep-pocketed New York Mets for top managerial option Craig Counsell.

Vogt had a 10-year career in the majors as a catcher, first baseman and outfielder. He retired in 2022. He becomes one of the youngest managers in MLB at age 39. He was a bullpen coach for the Seattle Mariners this past year. 

Vogt is a two-time All-Star catcher, and has never managed before. He takes over for future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona, who took Cleveland to the 2016 World Series. He was the team's manager for 11 years.

The Guardians are coming off a 76-86 season but are just one year removed from winning the American League Central division.

Photo: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports