Seattle Mariners' Coach Appears to Be Serious Candidate For This Open Managerial Job

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Seattle Mariners' bullpen coach Stephen Vogt is a serious candidate for the Cleveland Guardians managerial opening.

Seattle Mariners' bullpen coach Stephen Vogt is reportedly a serious candidate for the Cleveland Guardians managerial opening.

Per Jeff Passan of ESPN on social media:

Longtime major league catcher Stephen Vogt is emerging as a serious candidate for the Cleveland Guardians managerial job, sources tell ESPN. Vogt, 38, is a coach with Seattle and previously interviewed for San Francisco’s job, where Bob Melvin is the leading candidate.

Longtime major league catcher Stephen Vogt is emerging as a serious candidate for the Cleveland Guardians managerial job, sources tell ESPN. Vogt, 38, is a coach with Seattle and previously interviewed for San Francisco’s job, where Bob Melvin is the leading candidate.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 23, 2023

We heard last week that Vogt was interviewing for the Giants job, but with Melvin emerging as the likely suitor there, it's understandable that Vogt would turn his attention elsewhere.

Vogt just joined the Mariners staff this past season but is highly-regarded. He spent 10 years in the big leagues with the A's, Diamondbacks, Rays, Giants, Braves and Brewers. He's a two-time All-Star as well. He only retired after the 2022 season.

Former catchers have often had success transitioning to a managerial post. Joe Girardi, Mike Matheny, Mike Scoscia, and Scott Servais are some examples, just to name a few. They are often praised for how they see the game and can take charge of the whole field, which is why they transition well to the dugout.

It would not be easy to take over for Francona, who is one of the most decorated and likable managers of the 21st century, but someone has to do it.

The Guardians went 76-86 this season and finished third in the American League Central behind the Twins and Detroit Tigers.

They last made the playoffs in the 2022 season.

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