Former Guardians Pitcher Shuts Down Concerns About Stephen Vogt

The Cleveland Guardians have not had the season many had hoped for, as the team’s putrid offense has led to a 44-49 record and an unsettling feeling that the team will have to make some incredibly tough decisions at the trade deadline.

Naturally, when a season goes awry like this one, some fingers are going to be pointed at the manager, whether that’s fair or not, though one former Guardians pitcher recently shut down any concerns with Guardians manager Stephen Vogt before any rumors even got going.

During a recent episode of The BIGPLAY Cleveland Show, Jensen Lewis spoke up in defense of Vogt, saying he hasn’t been dealt a fair hand.

“The manager takes it harder than anyone else… I didn’t think he was dealt a fair hand. I don’t think he’s been playing with a full deck of cards,” Lewis said.

Does Stephen Vogt deserve a break?

"The manager takes it harder than anyone else… I didn't think he was dealt a fair hand. I don't think he's been playing with a full deck of cards."

–@JLEWFifty

Weekly segment with Jensen in FREE @BIGPLAY app: https://t.co/bSie9jpY4P pic.twitter.com/MztSuZxVzf

— BIGPLAY Cleveland Show (@BIGPLAYCLEshow) July 12, 2025

Lewis is right, as this team fell three games short of the World Series last season due to a lack of top-tier offensive firepower and consistent starting pitching that can get deep into games.

It was clear as day what this team needed in the offseason, and instead of bringing in a big bat or two, the Guardians went the other direction and instead traded Josh Naylor, while also letting Matthew Boyd walk and sign with the Chicago Cubs in free agency, where he recently made his first All-Star team.

The Guardians’ offense was getting shut out left and right over the past six weeks, and a recent 10-game losing streak has sparked a lot of trade rumors surrounding Steven Kwan, who has been one of the very few members of this lineup who has consistently hit in 2025.

Vogt generated rave reviews last season, but he shouldn’t be getting any backlash for the way this season has unfolded.

There is only so much that can be done when there is such a lack of offensive firepower, and hopefully, Vogt gets some more talent to work with either down the stretch or next season.