The Cleveland Guardians hired a rookie manager to succeed Terry Francona, a franchise legend, after a down 2023.
What could go wrong? Well, many things, in fact.
However, the front office knew what they were doing.
They wanted someone smart with a modern approach, but also someone who understood players and had their backs through thick and thin.
After a thorough search, they came up with Stephen Vogt’s name, and he proceeded to win 92 games in the regular season, take the team to the playoffs, and reach the American League Championship Series.
Not bad for a rookie manager.
Vogt’s efforts have earned a place among the best three skippers in the American League.
“2024 AL Manager of the Year finalists: A.J. Hinch (DET), Matt Quatraro (KC), Stephen Vogt (CLE),” MLB Network posted on X.
2024 AL Manager of the Year finalists:
A.J. Hinch (DET)
Matt Quatraro (KC)
Stephen Vogt (CLE) pic.twitter.com/paZ9wVcEPK— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 11, 2024
That’s right: Vogt is competing with two excellent skippers to win the Manager of the Year award in the junior circuit.
Hinch did a marvelous job with the Tigers and took them to the postseason against all odds, and the same can be said about Quatraro,
Only one of them won the AL Central, though, and that’s what makes Vogt the favorite to take home the hardware.
Vogt did make his mistakes over the course of the year, but he showed off incredible communication skills, he won over his players’ trust, and he impressed his own front office and others around the league.
Even if he doesn’t win the award, Vogt won the respect and admiration from fellow managers, front offices and fans.
NEXT: Guardians Star Closer Named Among AL Cy Young Finalists
