The Cleveland Guardians hired Stephen Vogt as their new manager last fall, bringing with him an almost entirely new coaching staff. However, they are probably already at risk of losing one of the key leaders of their bench.
The Miami Marlins announced in early October that Skip Schumaker would not return as their manager in 2025. From that moment on, the search for a new captain began. One of the names on the candidate list is Cleveland bench coach Craig Albernaz.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported last week that “Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz is considered a strong candidate to become Marlins manager.”
April 6, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz, 55, approaches the dugout after meeting with officials before a game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory pass: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images / Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
It shouldn’t be too surprising to see Albernaz’s name crop up in leadership positions. Cleveland interviewed him to be their manager last offseason before deciding to work with Vogt. However, they are lucky that Albernaz decided to join their crew in a different role.
Vogt has spoken highly of his bench coach and his impact on the team throughout the season, and it wouldn’t be a surprise for Cleveland’s current captain if
“He’s one of the smartest people in baseball. He’ll be fine soon. He kept me calm. He kept me under control. He helped me learn, he was patient when I suggested stupid things, and he was just a great friend and I couldn’t imagine working with anyone else,” Vogt said of Albernaz.
While the Marlins may be interested in adding Albarnez to their organization, they will have to wait. Both the Guardians and Albernaz are in the midst of an intense ALCS matchup with the New York Yankees.