The Cleveland Cavaliers hired Stephen Vogt as their new manager on Monday, bringing in a former All-Star with no managerial experience but widespread respect in the game for his experience and leadership skills.
Vogt agreed to a three-year deal, sources told ESPN.
Vogt, 39, replaces Terry Francona, the future Hall of Fame manager who retired after 11 seasons with Cleveland. Vogt inherits the team after a 76-86 season but is one year removed from winning the American League Central.
Last year, Vogt served as the Seattle Mariners’ bullpen and quality control coach. He retired following the 2022 season after a 10-year major league career that included an All-Star appearance.
As soon as he retired from playing, Vogt was seen as a future manager. Teams often target former catchers as managers — Vogt is 14th among major league managers — and his experience as a clubhouse player brought together Cleveland to look beyond his lack of experience running a team.
Guardian brings back one of the best bats in baseball, with the emergence of three rookie starters — Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams and Logan Allen — to go along with Triston McKenzie and Shane Bieber, who are the last to be traded this winter. Cleveland’s offense remains a black hole, although the emergence of Josh Naylor alongside third star Jose Ramirez, and the potential signing of a free agent could help in the open AL Central.
Cleveland’s management search has drawn a number of candidates, including Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell, New York Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza, Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough, Chicago Cubs bench coach Andy Green and bullpen coach of the San Francisco Giants Craig Albernaz.
