The lessons Stephen Vogt has learned to help navigate youthful Guardians

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The lessons Stephen Vogt has learned to help navigate youthful Guardians

Ryan Lewis, Akron Beacon Journal · Akron Beacon Journal

Sat, Jul 4, 2026 ·

5 min read

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CLEVELAND — In the two and a half years in which Stephen Vogt has been the manager of the Guardians , he joked that some extra gray hair and a few more pounds have been added. But he's also grown up, in his own words, and through that, he's learning patience.

It might be a major factor as to why the Guardians , despite the odds and circumstances piled up against them, continue to rack up wins with him at the helm.

The Guardians have won two American League Central titles in Vogt's first two seasons , and a recent surge fueled by back-to-back walk-off wins against the Chicago White Sox has Cleveland again in first place in the division this year.

Cleveland's roster under Vogt has remained one of the youngest in baseball . This season, in addition to the seventh-youngest roster by average age, the Guardians have needed an influx of prospects making their rookie debuts, the result of a series of injuries. It's been a parade of firsts. From the manager's office, it means trying to win with a group of players largely composed of human beings who haven't gone through this before. And that human element sometimes means rookie gaffes, like Cooper Ingle accidentally tossing the ball into the stands with two outs.

Jul 2, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Davis Martin (65) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit:
(David Richard-Imagn Images)

Jul 2, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Slade Cecconi (44) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard-Imagn Images)

Jul 2, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) singles in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard-Imagn Images)

Jul 2, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana (37) runs the bases in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard-Imagn Images)

Jul 2, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) is tagged out while attempting to steal second base by Chicago White Sox first baseman Jacob Gonzalez (7) in the first inning.
(David Richard-Imagn Images)

Jul 2, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago White Sox designated hitter Andrew Benintendi (23) celebrates his single in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard-Imagn Images)

Starting pitcher Slade Cecconi #44 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field on July 02, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jason Miller, Getty Images)

Starting pitcher Davis Martin #65 of the Chicago White Sox pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on July 02, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jason Miller, Getty Images)

A major element of a manager's job, in addition to the thousands of daily tasks to complete and conversations to have, is to keep the bigger picture in mind as much as possible, and to roll with certain punches as they come.

"I'm learning how to be patient," Vogt recently said. "I think that's the one thing I'd say, two and a half years, I learn something new every day. I never want to stop learning. There's new experiences and I'm sure, Lord willing, if I get to do this for a long time, I'm going to keep learning. Until you go through things for the first time, there's no playbook."

Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio jumps into the arms of manager Stephen Vogt after hitting a game-winning two-run home run in the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox, July 2, 2026, in Cleveland.

Guardians see heavy influx of rookies in 2026

Perhaps it has helped Vogt understand the plight of so many rookies trying to win now on a contending team to a greater degree than others might have in his position. It is a human game, after all, with 26 different life situations unfolding at the same time within the same clubhouse. The Guardians have won back-to-back AL Central crowns while overcoming a great deal. Last season, it was an alleged gambling scandal and a 15.5-game deficit . This year, it was the loss of three key players within a few hours of each other, two of which haven't yet returned.

While lineup and bullpen decisions receive the most attention, it'd be impossible to ignore Vogt's steadiness as a factor in the Guardians being in first place, even without star third baseman Jose Ramirez in the lineup.

"Everybody's on their own career path. ... Baseball's an individual game, played for a team outcome," Vogt said. "It's about where each person is on any given day, and it's exciting when someone makes their major league debut and it's fun to watch somebody experience all their firsts and you get to be there and watch and help them through it."

Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Iv‡n Herrera (48) tags out Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (9) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium.
(Jeff Curry, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Cleveland Guardians center fielder Daniel Schneemann, left, almost collides with right fielder Angel Martinez as he catches a fly ball hit by St. Louis Cardinals' Alec Burleson (not pictured) on April 13, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri.
(Jeff Curry, Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning on April 12, 2026, in Cumberland, Georgia.
(Dale Zanine, Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick throws against the Atlanta Braves on April 11, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) celebrates after hitting a grand slam during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Guardians rookie Juan Brito hits a double for his first career hit during the second inning of his Major League debut against the Kansas City Royals on April 7, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Nick Cammett, Getty Images)

Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez acknowledges the fans after becoming the franchise's all time leader in games played during a game against the Kansas City Royals on April 6, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Guardians' CJ Kayfus celebrates his solo home run with designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs on April 5, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) makes a catch in the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs.
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez slides safely into second base during the home opener against the Chicago Cubs, April 3, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Apr 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann (10) steals third base during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) throws to the plate during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) reacts after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Mar 29, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) scores a run off an RBI double hit by Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Mar 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) celegbrates with centerfielder Steven Kwan (38) after hitting a two-run home run during the tenth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
(Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Mar 27, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
(Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Guardians in AL Central standings

It should be noted that the AL Central, as a whole, has struggled this season, which has given the Guardians some runway to deal with their own issues. But it also cannot be understated how Cleveland has recovered from losing three key hitters — Ramirez, Angel Martinez and Chase DeLauter — all on the same night. The Guardians have not only weathered that storm so far, they've pulled off back-to-back walk-off wins against the White Sox on July 2 and July 3 to overtake them for the divisional lead.

It was an immense amount of value that was lost from a lineup that, on paper, shouldn't have been able to afford it. And yet, the Guardians have not only remained afloat, they keep surging forward.

Considering Ramirez's importance to the lineup, it might be one of the Guardians' most impressive feats in recent memory, along with the 15.5-game comeback last summer. All the while, Vogt has been a constant presence to help steady the ship and navigate some tough waters.

"Yeah I think if you look at the last three weeks, I'd be lying if I said we weren't all pressing in Milwaukee , myself included," Vogt said. "That was such a big hit to use to lose three guys in one game — really doesn't happen. ... We're human beings. We have emotions, we have feelings, we have all that stuff."

There's plenty of credit to go around, of course. Brayan Rocchio has been shifted all around the lineup and handled it well, including the July 2 walk-off home run. Austin Hedges has put together his best offensive season, which has boosted the bottom of the order's production. Travis Bazzana and DeLauter have taken on major roles at the top of the lineup. It's all played into Cleveland trying to survive several weeks without their star third baseman.

The trio of sudden injuries also pushed the Guardians into needing additional contributions from prospects like Ingle, a catcher who has been asked to at times man left field, a position he had played in a handful of times in Triple-A before his promotion to the majors. He's had a couple of rough moments, and Vogt and the rest of the Guardians have stood by him along the way.

It's in part because Vogt continues to learn, continues to lean on patience, and October is the goal.

"I mean, there's no formula. Our players that are here are here, and we're going to keep working to get them better," Vogt said of managing younger players who don't yet have as much experience. "We have to have a little bit of a zoom-out. We're building for October. And the guys that are here are going to play a role on that team, and they're getting experience. They're going through firsts.

"It doesn't do any good to harp on someone that makes a mistake. It's love on them. ... We're asking a lot of these young players and they're answering it."

Ryan Lewis covers the Guardians for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: The lessons Stephen Vogt has learned to help navigate youthful Guardians

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The lessons Stephen Vogt has learned to help navigate youthful Guardians

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