Replacing Terry Francona was not going to be an easy task for the Cleveland Guardians this offseason. The undoubted hall of fame skipper announced his retirement following the 2023 season. When the Cleveland organization began looking for their next manager, former Atlanta Braves catcher Stephen Vogt jumped to the top of the list.
Vogt retired from playing in 2022 after 10 seasons in the big leagues, most of them with the Oakland A’s. However, Vogt’s most memorable season in the MLB was with the Atlanta Braves in 2021 which ended with a World Series Championship.
We believe in Stephen Vogt.
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) November 6, 2023
We have hired Stephen Vogt as the 45th manager in franchise history.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/OA9WfVy0Vr
Vogt was an All-Star two times in his playing career (2015 and 2016). He was a natural leader as a catcher. From calling pitches to settling pitchers down in the midst of their struggles and being a mentor to younger players, Vogt has seen different perspectives of the game. The Guardians feel that he can continue providing effective leadership, now as a manager.
Not even to the age of 40, Stephen Vogt may be younger than some of the players in the majors. This could be viewed as an advantage or disadvantage. Some may feel like it will be difficult to gain respect as a manager being freshly removed from the game as a player. On the other hand, understanding the modern era of Major League Baseball could translate to great relationships with players and lead to success.
Given his experience in the MLB and the way Vogt went about playing the game every single day, this hire comes as no surprise. Obviously following Tito is not going to be easy. If people can understand that Vogt will not be Francona and will bring his own demeanor to the Guardians clubhouse, he will be well respected and successful.
We want to congratulate Stephen Vogt on this new position and wish him nothing but the best unless he is a Braves opponent.