Stephen Vogt hasn’t been manager of the Cleveland Guardians for long, but the early returns are certainly promising.
Making the playoffs twice in as many seasons is impressive, and doing so despite all the team went through this year is remarkable.
That’s why former Cleveland manager Mike Hargrove had nothing but praise for Vogt.
“The team takes on the personality of the head guy. If you act like an idiot, then they’re going to act like double idiots. You kind of got to be the guy that’s the calm, decisive person. At the end of it all, you’re so emotionally and mentally exhausted, it gets hard to breathe,” Hargrove said.
"The team takes on the personality of the head guy."
Mike Hargrove is impressed with the job Stephen Vogt has done thus far as the #Guardians manager.
Presented by @LakeSpurMkting https://t.co/IXYFNmoiCV pic.twitter.com/USMoKK9HpG
— Object of the Game (@CoachKyleShow) October 8, 2025
Vogt stayed calm and even-keeled through the storm, and his team never wavered, either.
While there were some tough times and emotions were high, Vogt kept the players focused and motivated, ensuring they did their jobs no matter the circumstances.
Not many teams would’ve thought that they had a chance to make the playoffs after trailing the division leader by 15.5 games at one point in the season, regardless of what they tell the media.
Also, the Guardians lost two key pitchers to a gambling scandal, and that could’ve broken any clubhouse.
Vogt made his fair share of mistakes and questionable decisions, of course, as there’s no such thing as a flawless manager.
Yet, making the playoffs with little offense and against all odds is worth recognition.
The front office needs to give Vogt more weapons for his lineup, but after two seasons, it seems like the organization has found its manager for years to come.
NEXT: Guardians Could Make Surprising Move With 3 Key Players
