The Cleveland Guardians pulled off something they weren’t supposed to.
They made the playoffs and won the AL Central after trailing by 15.5 games at one point, the largest deficit any team has overcome in MLB history.
That should be more than enough for Stephen Vogt to be a leading candidate to win AL Manager of the Year.
This is the second time in as many seasons that he is up for the award.
Stephen Vogt has been named a finalist for Manager of the Year for the second time in as many seasons as our Skipper.#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/BmKi2DAAGf
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) November 3, 2025
Vogt’s work this season cannot be overlooked.
The team lost two key pitchers, including a member of the rotation and its All-Star closer, to an MLB gambling investigation.
They won just nine games in June, and they couldn’t hit for long stretches.
Despite all that, Vogt kept the team afloat, together and motivated.
They never waved the white flag, even when it seemed that there was no hope.
They got hot when it mattered most, making one of the most impressive late-season climbs in history.
The Guardians have won back-to-back division crowns under Vogt, and he’s on pace to have a better record than legendary Cleveland manager Terry Francona.
Vogt may not win Manager of the Year this time, but if he continues to lead like this, it shouldn’t be long before he takes home the award.
He’s definitely shown he’ll be an annual contender after just two years in charge.
NEXT: Analyst Says Guardians Stand Out Among Small-Market Teams
