The Cleveland Guardians have begun addressing their coaching needs this offseason with a focus on solidifying the staff around manager Stephen Vogt. The organization confirmed Thursday that it has hired Tony Arnerich as bench coach for the 2026 season.
Arnerich will replace Craig Albernaz, who served as associate manager and Vogt’s primary assistant before leaving last month to become manager of the Baltimore Orioles.
Cleveland.com’s Paul Hoynes reported the move, noting the Guardians have now made two hires from the Seattle Mariners organization within the same week.
“Guardians have hired Tony Arnerich as their new bench coach. He was Seattle’s bullpen coach the last two years, replacing Guards’ manager Stephen Vogt. This is the second Mariner the G’s have hired this week,” Hoynes posted on X.
Guardians have hired Tony Arnerich as their new bench coach. He was Seattle's bullpen coach the last two years, replacing Guards' manager Stephen Vogt. This is the second Mariner the G's have hired this week. They just named Andy McKay field coordinator.
— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) November 13, 2025
The 45-year-old Arnerich spent the past two seasons with Seattle as their bullpen coach. The Mariners hired former catcher Austin Nola to fill that position earlier this week while awaiting the completion of Arnerich’s agreement with Cleveland.
Seattle was aware of his departure when they finalized Nola’s hiring.
Cleveland appointed Andy McKay as field coordinator on Tuesday, continuing a pattern of targeting coaches with ties to Vogt’s previous staff. Vogt worked as Seattle’s bullpen coach in 2023 alongside McKay, who held a front office role at the time.
Arnerich served as co-hitting coach that season before moving to the bullpen position after Vogt accepted the Cleveland job.
Arnerich’s background includes a brief playing career in the minor leagues and independent circuits during the 2000s. He transitioned to coaching and spent nearly a decade working at the collegiate level, primarily with the University of California.
He joined the Mariners organization as a minor league instructor and contributed to both hitting and pitching development before his promotion to the major league staff.
NEXT: Guardians Executive Hints At How Team Will Bolster Outfield
