CLEVELAND — Stephen Vogt took a moment in the Guardians’ dugout after the final out of the season, absorbing the emotional weight of the moment that held both sorrow and determination. As the New York Yankees celebrated their victory in Game 5 that secured them the American League pennant for the first time since 2009, Vogt, in his inaugural season as a major league manager, reflected on how far the Guardians had come, even if the journey didn’t end in a championship.
Vogt made a vow to himself. “I want it next year, and it’s never going to stop driving me,” he expressed. Three days after the painful ALCS loss, Vogt, along with top executives from the Cleveland front office, took the time to discuss the team’s impressive 2024 season and outline their aspirations for the upcoming year.
Initially anticipated to be a rebuilding year, the Guardians exceeded all expectations. With one of the youngest rosters in baseball, they quickly took the lead in April, finishing the season with 92 victories to claim the AL Central title, notably one of the most competitive divisions in Major League Baseball. The Guardians managed to overcome a 2-1 deficit in the Division Series against Detroit and pushed the highly acclaimed Yankees to the limits, including a memorable walk-off home run victory in Game 3 at home, ultimately falling just three victories short of the World Series.
Despite the stinging loss, the growth of the Guardians was undeniable. “We know we have areas to improve on, and we learned a lot about our players,” Vogt noted. “We learned a lot about our staff and I learned a lot about how to navigate through the first season. We checked just about every box except winning the last game, and that’s ultimately the goal.”
A year ago, the organization faced uncertainty. Terry Francona, the most successful manager in franchise history and a sure Hall of Famer, stepped down after 11 seasons, leaving a significant gap. Stephen Vogt stepped in to take on the challenge, a move that proved highly effective.
Although he had never managed at any level before, the catcher earned recognition for his diligence, dedication, and camaraderie, and he flourished in his new role. “We had really high expectations,” stated Chris Antonetti, the president of baseball operations for the Guardians. “Stephen exceeded all of them. His contributions as someone new to the job were amazing. His first year in management has been nothing short of remarkable.”
From the outset, Vogt connected naturally with his players on both professional and personal levels, creating an environment where they felt supported while also being able to excel. After the heartbreaking Game 5 defeat in extra innings, a long line of players gathered outside Vogt’s office to express gratitude and comfort.
“That was incredibly moving to witness,” Antonetti remarked. While Vogt made errors throughout the season—including a notable decision in the last game to allow Tanner Bibee to pitch to Giancarlo Stanton, which led to a game-tying homer—he expressed contentment with his choices. “When it works, it works, and when it doesn’t, you’re wrong. I learned that this year, so I wouldn’t change anything,” he mentioned, although he might wish for a different conclusion to the season.
In terms of player changes, Shane Bieber’s 2024 season ended prematurely after only two starts, and it likely marked the conclusion of his tenure with the Guardians. The Cy Young Award winner from 2020 is expected to enter free agency this winter, likely seeking a new team as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. Having been drafted by Cleveland, Bieber left a profound impact with a career record of 62-32 over 134 starts.
Antonetti reflected on Bieber’s legacy, stating, “He set a standard regarding professionalism and work ethic, not just during competition but also in preparation. Whether he stays or goes, his impact on the franchise will be felt for a long time.”
Additionally, there has been ongoing speculation surrounding All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor, particularly because he is under contract for only one more season. While interest from other teams is anticipated, the Guardians appear in no rush to trade the slugger. “We expect Josh will be a key part of our team in 2025 and hopefully beyond,” Antonetti said. “While teams may inquire about various players, our hope is that he will be with us for opening day next year.”
In sum, the Guardians appear poised to build upon their success and continue to strive for higher achievements in the next season.