Guardians fans welcome Stephen Vogt leading the race for managerial post: "Will be a very good manager"

Stephen Vogt has emerged as the No. 1 managerial candidate for the Guardians after Terry Francona parted ways with the franchise at the end of the regular season. Vogt spent 10 years in the major leagues, playing for six different ballclubs, of which he had two stints with the Oakland A's.

"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" - JeffPassan

38-year-old Vogt is currently a coach with the Seattle Mariners and has already applied for the vacant managerial position with the San Francisco Giants.

However, San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin, who was given permission to speak with the division opponent, may soon fill the position. Vogt will reportedly meet with the Guardians for a face-to-face interview this week.

MLB fans had a very vibrant reaction to this news, clearly excited about what Vogt could bring to Cleveland as the franchise's new manager.

"Ooh…very interesting! He’d make a great manager" - saperstein21

"Stephen Vogt will make a damn good manager… Braves legend" - og_yungdilly

"Stephen Vogt being an MLB manager is something I never envisioned being a possibility" - JudgeEnjoyer

"Love this actually" - 1VDB7

"Vogt will be a very good manager" - The_Trentnado

"Guardians would be lucky to have him" - trailgiants

While Vogt lacks managerial experience, he has long been seen as a candidate for the job. Milwaukee's Craig Counsell, Texas' Bruce Bochy, and San Diego's Bob Melvin openly expressed their belief that the affable Vogt would one day manage in the majors and succeed on the back of his amazing playing career.

"I believe...after a learning curve he is going to be a great manager anywhere he decides is a fit" - andrea500

"WE BELIEVE IN STEPHEN VOGT" - ItzChoco_

Stephen Vogt: A worthy successor?

For the first time since 2013, the Guardians are forced to find a new manager. The 64-year-old Francona is the club's all-time leading manager, but he made the decision to retire from the game after experiencing some serious health problems recently. It remains to be seen if Vogt will actually end up as his successor.

Vogt hit a home run in his final game before retiring with the Athletics following the 2022 season.

"Stephen Vogt hits a home run in his final MLB game. How can you not be romantic about baseball?" - BaseballBros