Seattle’s search for a new leader could lead back to a familiar face, as rumors link Cleveland’s championship-winning skipper to the vacancy in the Pacific Northwest.
While Cleveland Guardians fans are excited for the organization’s upcoming ALDS series set to kick off this weekend, the rest of the baseball world is now looking ahead to the offseason to build for 2027.
One team that has already begun this process is the Seattle Mariners, who recently fired their manager, Dan Wilson, after finishing with a 76-86 record in 2026. And with the Mariners seemingly beginning their search for a new manager, Guardians fans may be shocked by a name that is floating around as a potential candidate for the position.
In a recent article from the Seattle Times, writer Adam Jude discussed the Mariners’ top-five manager candidates, with manager Stephen Vogt’s name being included on the list.
Could Vogt Leave Cleveland?
Jul 10, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt (12) walks back to the dugout following a pitching change against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn ImagesAfter officially retiring from the game of baseball following the conclusion of the 2022 MLB season, Vogt quickly returned the next season as the Mariners’ bullpen and quality control coach.
As a catcher with over ten years of professional baseball experience, it was clear that he was destined to be a manager for an MLB team. Sure enough, Vogt received his first opportunity with the Guardians in 2024, as he was set to fill the shoes of former Cleveland legend Terry Francona.
During this time, the Guardians were coming off a rough 2023 campaign that saw the team miss the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. With low expectations surrounding the Guardians and their newest manager before the 2024 season, many believed that the organization would return to its early-2000s form.
However, this was far from the case.
In his three seasons as the Guardians’ manager, Vogt led his squad to three straight AL Central division titles, while also posting a 265-220 record. Cleveland put up a hard fight in both of its recent playoff stints, but it’s clear that Vogt and the rest of the Guardians are on the hunt to win it all in 2026.
Now, with his name being tossed around in potential managerial hirings this offseason, fans should block out the noise and focus on postseason baseball. Vogt signed a multi-year deal with the organization following the conclusion of the 2024 MLB season, per Jeff Passan. And while the deal has not been made public, the Mariners would likely have to trade for Vogt. If that’s the case, it’s hard to believe that Seattle would make a strong push for the Guardians’ manager.
