The Cleveland Guardians will see a changing of the guard at manager this offseason.
Legendary manager Terry Francona has retired from baseball and now the team needs a new skipper.
Having the right person leading the team is crucial for any team looking to contend.
You can bet the Guardians will conduct a lengthy search before deciding who to hire.
But, there seems to be one former player that is a frontrunner.
According to Jeff Passan, longtime major league catcher Stephen Vogt is emerging as a serious contender.
Longtime major league catcher Stephen Vogt is emerging as a serious candidate for the Cleveland Guardians managerial job, sources tell ESPN. Vogt, 38, is a coach with Seattle and previously interviewed for San Francisco’s job, where Bob Melvin is the leading candidate.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 23, 2023
Vogt is only 38 years old, which is old for a player but young for a manager.
Yet, he has a ton of experience in the game and that should give him respect amongst the players.
Vogt has already interviewed for the San Francisco Giants job, so he has interest around the league.
For some reason, it seems like former catchers always make for the best managers.
David Ross is managing the Chicago Cubs and he did a great job with them this season.
But, we have also seen Joe Torre, Mike Matheny, Joe Girardi, and Bruce Bochy all have success as former catchers.
It just seems like catchers have a great feel for the game, as most learned how to command a pitching staff.
There is no reason to believe Vogt cannot be another name added to the list of successful former catchers.
The Guardians have the luxury of playing in the AL Central, which is one of the worst divisions in baseball.
If they hire the right manager, they could be back in the playoff picture next year.
NEXT: Terry Francona Comments On His MLB Future
