The Cleveland Guardians claimed the American League Central title for the second time in the last three seasons finishing with a record of 92 wins and 69 losses.
After winning the division, the Guardians made a postseason run to the American League Championship Series before losing to the New York Yankees.
Stephen Vogt was in his first year managing the Cleveland Guardians, and while he might get most of the credit publicly, Vogt recognizes the other members of the coaching staff as key parts.
Craig Albernaz was the bench coach for the Guardians in 2024, and he will return to the club in 2025 with the new title of Associate Manager.
Vogt revealed his thoughts on Albernaz forgoing his other offers to return to the Guardians in 2025.
“So excited he’s coming back,” Vogt said. “Obviously for him to get the two opportunities and for him to choose to come back to us, it just speaks to who Alby is. His responsibilities won’t change. It was just a recognition of, ‘You’re more than a bench coach, you mean more to us than a bench coach.’”
Albernaz will return to the club even after being reached out to by the Miami Marlins and the Chicago White Sox about a Manager position.
Vogt expressed his gratitude for Albernaz returning and noted that his responsibilities with the team will remain unchanged, but the new title acknowledges how important he is.
Vogt and the Guardians will try to win the franchise’s first World Series title since 1948.
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