Guardians hire Stephen Vogt as new manager to replace Terry Francona

The Cleveland Guardians have hired Stephen Vogt, a journeyman catcher, as their new manager to replace Terry Francona.

The Cleveland Guardians have made an unexpected choice in hiring Stephen Vogt, a former journeyman catcher, as their new manager to replace Terry Francona, according to an announcement made by the team on Monday. Despite lacking any managerial experience, Vogt stood out to the Guardians as the ideal candidate for the position, even after speaking with Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell about the opening. Vogt, a two-time All-Star, played for multiple teams over the course of his 10-year career before retiring with the Oakland Athletics in 2022. His final at-bat resulted in a memorable home run, marking the end of his playing days and the beginning of his aspirations to become a manager.

The Guardians will officially introduce Vogt at a press conference on Friday. Chris Antonetti, the team's president of baseball operations, expressed his enthusiasm for Vogt's hiring, highlighting his reputation as an exceptional teammate throughout his 16-year career. Antonetti also commended Vogt's thoughtful approach to leadership and management, emphasizing his genuine care for others, ability to build meaningful relationships, and open-mindedness. These qualities, combined with Vogt's deep baseball knowledge and curiosity, make him an ideal fit to lead the Guardians into a new era.

Francona, the winningest manager in the Guardians' 123-year history, recently stepped down after 11 successful seasons. While he plans to remain with the organization in some capacity, the team is now embarking on a new chapter under Vogt's leadership. The Guardians were immediately impressed with Vogt during their initial meeting in mid-October, prompting them to schedule a second, in-person visit at Progressive Field. One of the standout aspects of Vogt's candidacy was his extensive baseball background, which allowed him to intimately understand the highs and lows of the game. From making his debut at a relatively late age to overcoming a major injury and experiencing roster changes, Vogt's personal journey resonated with the Guardians' front office.

Vogt's warm personality and ability to connect with teammates were also highly regarded by the Guardians. He was a beloved figure in every team he played for, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, and the Oakland Athletics. His leadership qualities and knowledge of handling pitching staffs were particularly appealing during the Guardians' search for a new manager. Vogt has always been passionate about baseball and has credited his former managers, such as Counsell, Bruce Bochy, Bob Melvin, Brian Snitker, and Mark Kotsay, as role models and mentors. Melvin, in particular, spoke highly of Vogt, describing him as one of the most inspiring players he has ever managed and one of his all-time favorites.

Vogt's playing career had its fair share of challenges, including going hitless in his first 32 at-bats. However, he persevered and became a fan favorite on both sides of the San Francisco Bay, playing for both the Athletics in 2013 and the Giants in 2017. Fans from both markets would often chant "I believe in Stephen Vogt!" to show their support. One of Vogt's most memorable moments came during the 2013 playoffs while playing for the Athletics. He delivered his first career game-winning hit with a single off Rick Porcello of the Detroit Tigers, securing a 1-0 victory for the A's in Game 2 of the AL Division Series.

Vogt's desire to become a manager grew stronger in 2018 when he was recovering from a major shoulder injury with the Milwaukee Brewers. Now, he has the opportunity to fulfill his dream with the Cleveland Guardians. While Vogt may lack managerial experience, his passion for the game, leadership qualities, and extensive baseball knowledge make him a promising choice to lead the team into the future. The Guardians are eager to see how Vogt's unique journey as a player will translate into his new role as manager, and they have high hopes for the new era under his guidance.