CLEVELAND — Guardians manager Stephen Vogt did acknowledge that it isn't always easy being away from his family while guiding the team in Cleveland. But he also says he isn't going anywhere.
Vogt and members of the Guardians front office met with reporters for an end-of-season availability on Thursday, Oct. 22 at Progressive Field. It came in the wake of a crushing loss in the ALCS to the Tampa Bay Rays, as the Guardians' World Series aspirations fell just two wins short.
Vogt happens to be a West Coast native whose family lives in Washington state (his wife is also from Washington, and the couple have lived there for 19 years and now have three children). The Seattle Mariners happen to have an open managerial job, and their ballpark sits rather close and would make for a short commute from Olympia. Due to those two things technically being facts, speculation had begun that it might be possible that Vogt would want to manage the Mariners, thus placing him at home with his family.
He clarified on Thursday, Oct. 22, that while being thousands of miles away during the season has presented its own set of challenges, he has no plans of not managing the Guardians in 2027.
“I have not gotten a phone call. … I’m here,” Vogt said. “I’m coming back [to Cleveland].”
Cleveland Guardians stats with Stephen Vogt as manager
Vogt did speak to the personal, family aspect of the job, as it does involve a more human level of strain, as anyone involved in the baseball world can attest. It also came with a message that while the job can include some difficulties, it also doesn’t mean he’s looking to leave for another club, as he wants to continue to lead the Guardians. He also noted that they've discussed as a family the prospect of moving to Cleveland full time, but that they didn't want to interrupt their children's education, plus his wife's family is all based in the Washington state area.
“I mean, all the time, [it can be] extremely difficult,” Vogt said. “It’s not just since I’ve been here. This has been my whole playing career. For anybody who works and travels in baseball, I’m sure you all feel it when you're away from your loves ones.
“My daughter’s in high school, my boys are starting to get older, their activities are going up, so it’s more challenging for them to get out here on a whim. But my wife’s incredible, and she tells me and reminds me every day that I’m where I’m supposed to be and I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”
Vogt joked that his wife tells him, “We don’t need you anyway,” before he added on a more serious note, “The worst part of my job is being away from my family.”
Vogt is under contract through at least the 2027 season, though the exact length and details of his deal are something the Guardians have wanted to keep close to the vest, as to not bring about further speculation.
President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti noted that the Mariners have not contacted the Guardians about any arrangement. Due to Vogt being under contract, it would require an agreement or a trade for him to join the Mariners this winter. Antonetti did add that it’s “safe to say” Vogt is under contract for 2027 and beyond.
“I can tell you I have every expectation that Vogter’s going to manage here for a really long time,” Antonetti said. “We don’t have any interest in Vogter managing anywhere else. … And he has a contract that’s reflective of that.”
Vogt has had a rather successful three-year run as Guardians manager, one that has included three division titles and two trips to the ALCS.
“Vogter continues to be an extraordinary leader for our group,” Antonetti said. “He brings so much to the table with his leadership, the way he connects with players, how prepared he is. … I think that’s a good recipe for us trying to sustain success because we’re not satisfied with where we are and Vogter’s been a big part of getting us to this point and it’s going to be a big part of pushing us further.”
Ryan Lewis covers the Guardians for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Guardians manager Stephen Vogt reiterates commitment to Cleveland