MLB Rumors: Stephen Vogt Emerging as 'Serious Candidate' for Guardians Manager Job

Seattle Mariners bullpen coach Stephen Vogt has become a "serious candidate" for the Cleveland Guardians in their managerial search, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Vogt joined Seattle's staff ahead of the 2023 MLB season. Before that, he was a two-time All-Star who spent 10 years in the league as a player.

The 38-year-old would present quite the contrast to his predecessor if the Guardians were to hire him. Terry Francona was a two-time World Series champion who had managed the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox by the time he got to Cleveland.

But the former catcher has clearly made a strong impression already in his second career, reportedly getting an interview with the San Francisco Giants as they look for a new leader in the dugout.

This is also the path Vogt set for himself as his playing career was winding down. He told NBC Sports California's Brodie Brazil in September 2022 he was hopeful of managing in MLB.

Oakland Athletics manager Mark Kotsay told the San Francisco Chronicle's John Shea in October 2022 Vogt was well suited for the role one day in part because he was a good communicator who held teammates accountable.

"I think the biggest thing for managing is to go through a lot of experiences in this game, and for Stephen, he's had them, both rewarding and humbling. He's had to make the team," Kotsay said. "He's been the 26th guy. He's been an All-Star. He's dealt with injuries. The experiences obviously help, the relationships that you've fostered through the game, the leadership in the clubhouse. All those things with Stephen align."

Whether it's ultimately Vogt or another candidate, hiring a young first-time manager would match the structure of the Guardians roster. Francona was also an exception in terms of who has managed Cleveland through the years.

For fans, whom the Guardians hire might take a back seat to whether ownership intends to invest in a player payroll that's once again on track to be among the five lowest in baseball.