Stephen Vogt Confirms Return to Cleveland Guardians for 2027 Season

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt announced he will return to Cleveland in 2027, ending rumors linking him to the Seattle Mariners vacancy.

Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt announced Thursday he will return to the club for the 2027 season, according to the Associated Press. The 41-year-old manager, who has led Cleveland to three consecutive division titles and earned two American League Manager of the Year awards, stated he has not been contacted by the Seattle Mariners regarding their managerial vacancy. The Mariners recently fired Dan Wilson following a 76-86 campaign.

Vogt’s confirmation comes three days after the Guardians were eliminated by Tampa Bay in the American League Championship Series. During the 2026 postseason, Cleveland overcame an 0-2 deficit to defeat the Chicago White Sox in the AL Division Series before falling to the Rays. The loss extends the franchise's World Series drought to 78 years, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball.

Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti stated the organization has no interest in trading Vogt, despite the manager's family residing in Olympia, Washington. Vogt previously served as Seattle's bullpen coach in 2023 and signed a multiyear extension with Cleveland after the 2024 season, though the specific terms of that deal remain private.

In additional staff moves, Antonetti confirmed that 65-year-old pitching coach Carl Willis will return for his 15th season with the team. Regarding roster management, Vogt addressed the limited postseason usage of starter Tanner Bibee, explaining the staff opted to prioritize left-handed pitchers during the ALCS against Tampa Bay.