Mariners Coach To Manage Guardians

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians have hired Stephen Vogt, a journeyman catcher with no managerial experience, as their new manager to replace Terry Francona.

Vogt was Seattle’s bullpen coach last season.

Although the 39-year-old Vogt has never been a manager, he checked every other box for the Guardians, who also spoke with Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell last week.

A two-time All-Star, Vogt played for six teams in 10 seasons before retiring with Oakland in 2022.

He homered in his final at-bat for the Athletics.

The Guardians are beginning a new era following 11 successful seasons with Francona, the winningest manager in the club’s 123-year history.