What manager Stephen Vogt expects from new Guardians bench coach Tony Arnerich

Updated: Nov. 14, 2025, 9:22 p.m.|Published: Nov. 14, 2025, 3:42 p.m.

By Paul Hoynes, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — When the Guardians are playing a game, the most meaningful action takes place on the field. But there’s a lot of action taking place in the dugout, with some of the most meaningful being the communication between the manager and bench coach.

The Guardians hired Tony Arnerich on Thursday to be manager Stephen Vogt’s new bench coach, replacing Craig Albernaz, who was hired as Baltimore’s new manager. Here’s what Vogt expects from a bench coach.

“I’m a verbal processor,” he said. “I know it’s going to surprise you that I’m talking the whole game. So when I throw ideas out, either be ready to confirm that it’s the right one or challenge that it’s not.

“Albi (Albernaz) was great at that. I know Tony’s going to do a great job of that too ... There’s a lot to be thinking about during a game and it happens fast.”

It helps that Vogt and Arnerich worked together on Seattle’s coaching staff in 2023. Vogt was the bullpen coach and Arnerich was the hitting coach. A byproduct of the hire is that Vogt and Arnerich look enough alike to be brothers.

“That was the whole reason we brought him in was so that we could confuse people,” said Vogt with a smile. “We’ve been getting jokes before we even met that we looked similar. I’m like, do I really want to wear this? But that’s truly how valuable Tony’s going to be for us.”






When Vogt was hired by the Guardians as manager after the 2023 season, Arnerich moved from Seattle’s hitting coach to bullpen coach. The former minor league catcher joined the Mariners in 2017 as assistant hitting coordinator and catching coordinator in the minors. He was promoted to minor league field coordinator before joining the big league staff as hitting coach in 2022.

Arnerich played four years in the minors with Kansas City and Miami. He also spent seven years as an assistant coach for Cal State Berkeley.

He is the second member of Seattle’s decision-making team that the Guardians hired this week. On Tuesday, they hired assistant GM Andy McKay to replace Kai Correa as field coordinator. Vogt knows them both.

“Tony has a great background of coaching in college and has held a number of roles through the minor leagues in leadership and in technical skill coaching,” said Vogt. “As a major league coach, he’s got experience as a hitting coach. He’s got experience as a bullpen coach and as a catching coach.

“He really can add value and support for our coaches in all those areas ... I have a great relationship pre-existing with him, so I already have that trust built in with him.”

McKay hired Vogt to be Seattle’s bullpen coach after he retired as a player in 2022.

“I got to know Andy through the interview process and he really became a mentor of mine,” said Vogt. “He helped develop me as a coach and think about things through different lenses.”

During that interview process, McKay told Vogt that he wanted to get back in uniform. Vogt stashed that nugget and when Correa left to be the Mets’ bench coach after this season, the Guardians asked Seattle for permission to talk to McKay.

“It’s maybe a little unorthodox to bring someone from an assistant GM title into the dugout, but Andy’s a coach,” said Vogt. " Andy’s been a coach his whole life. That’s who he is."

Vogt was asked if his coaching staff was complete or if he anticipated losing anyone else.

“It’s just like we said at the end of the postseason, our entire coaching staff was set to come back,” said Vogt. “(But) things change. There are eight new managers out there (nine when the Rockies make their hire), everybody’s getting new staffs, and our coaches are highly regarded ... So as of right now, this is the staff that we intend to bring to Goodyear and help us march toward a World Series championship in 2026.”

Here’s how the current coaching staff stands: Carl Willis, Brad Goldberg and Joe Torres (pitching coaches), Caleb Longshore (bullpen coach), Grant Fink, Dan Puente, Junior Betances and Josh Tubbs (hitting coaches), Sandy Alomar (first base and catching coach), Rouglas Odor (third base coach, infield coach), JT Maguire (outfield coach) and Agustin Rivero (coach, interpreter).

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I remain amazed by MLB's incompetence in the betting crisis.

1. They allowed these absurb single pitch bets in the first place.
2. They had NO IDEA for 2 YEARS that anything was happening??????????????????
3. They still haven't banned these kind of single pitch bets.

Not sure that a Congressional investigation [as announced] is the best way to look into this. But I find MLB response from start to finish [or where finish has got so far] as reprehensible.
I'd expect the owners to call special meetings; have lengthy interviews with Commissioner and other officials; and that at least Manfred and probably others to be fired.
No one takes responsiblity?

Jeff Passan
@JeffPassan
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34m
Josh Naylor's deal with the Seattle Mariners is now official, and it's for five years and $92.5 million, sources tell ESPN.
Jeff Passan
@JeffPassan
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30m
Josh Naylor will receive a full no-trade clause from the Mariners, and his $92.5 million does not have any deferrals, per source.

Zack Meisel
@ZackMeisel
The Guardians have non-tendered Will Brennan, Nic Enright and Sam Hentges, making them all free agents.

They agreed to contracts with Nolan Jones, Matt Festa and David Fry, avoiding arbitration.

Their 40-man roster stands at 38 players.
5:55 PM · Nov 21, 2025
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who could dispute that Nolan Jones is worth $2,000,000. Perhaps he has a good season every 3 years and 2026 will be the time again; although it may be every 5 years and not until 2028.

Guardians show immense faith in Nolan Jones with recent roster decision

Originally posted on Cleveland Guardians on SI
By Steve Kubitza | Last updated Nov 22, 2025 4:16 PM ET

Cleveland Guardians fans are hoping for a big splash in free agency this offseason. Yet that would go against the organizational philosophy fans have seen for years of developing young talent and giving them plenty of time to prove themselves.

A recent roster decision indicates it may be more of the same in 2026. The Guardians made a series of moves this week, which included making a decision on a key outfield battle.

Among a flurry of moves, the team decided to avoid arbitration with Nolan Jones and hand him a deal for 2026. In addition, Will Brennan was non-tendered and will be hitting free agency.






This ends Brennan's tenure in the organization after he was drafted by the team back in 2019. He reached the majors in 2022 but just never found his footing. He was given regular playing time in both 2023 and 2024, finishing his four-year stint with a bWAR of 0.5. 2025 was a year filled with injuries, clearing the way for others to take over his role.

Jones' situation is a fascinating one and something that may divide fans. He was seen as a future star back in 2016 when the organization drafted him in the second round. He saw limited playing time in 2022, only to be traded to the Colorado Rockies for Juan Brito.

The front office then decided they wanted another look at him and traded Tyler Freeman for Jones before the 2025 season. He proceeded to post a negative-WAR value in 136 games, finishing with five home runs and a .600 OPS.

This latest decision seems to indicate Jones is getting another crack at it in 2026. He was brought back for a reason and teams never like to give up on former top draft picks, sometimes no matter the results on the field.

For now, Steven Kwan is the starting left fielder and Chase DeLauter is set to be the man in center field. George Valera is a strong option for the final spot in right field, with the likes of Petey Halpin, Angel Martinez, and even David Fry serving as other options. So where does Jones fit in?

Moving on from Brennan made sense given he will turn 28 in February and had years to prove he belonged. Yet Jones will turn 28 next May and is coming off a negative-WAR season. The front office seems to be hoping his 2023 self with the Rockies will return in 2026, but all MLB fans know numbers can be inflated when playing in the Denver altitude.

The plan seems to be another massive competition in the outfield. This could be expanded even further if the team trades Kwan, which may not make sense if no outside additions are made.

Jones has the benefit of his former draft status and the fact the team just traded for him before the start of last season. What fans don't know is if he is in for a real competition in spring training, or if he is safe for the entirety of the year.

Fans won't be happy, but this is how the organization has operated for years. Will Jones make them look like geniuses?

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Jones is seen as having significant upside for the 2026 MLB season due to his underlying metrics and the Cleveland Guardians' continued investment in him, despite a poor 2025 campaign.

Reasons for Upside

Strong Underlying Metrics: Despite a poor 2025 season where he hit .211 with a .600 OPS, advanced stats show encouraging potential. His expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA) was significantly higher than his actual wOBA, and he had the second-highest hard-hit rate on the team, suggesting bad luck or an inability to consistently "barrel" the ball, which could normalize with coaching adjustments.

Organizational Faith:

The Guardians reacquired Jones for a second time before the 2025 season and, notably, tendered him a contract for 2026 despite his struggles and a projected salary of around $2 million. This indicates the front office sees potential value and is willing to give him another opportunity, possibly based on their historical knowledge of him as a former high draft pick.

Physical Tools:

He has a lanky frame with plus raw power and a strong arm, tools that teams find tantalizing and believe can translate into production if he can address his hitting inconsistencies.

Opportunity:

The Guardians are desperate for offensive firepower for 2026 and their outfield situation is currently crowded but lacks proven, consistent power production outside of Steven Kwan. This potentially gives Jones another chance to carve out a regular role, particularly against right-handed pitching.

Risks and Doubts

Inconsistent Performance:

Jones posted a negative WAR value in 2025, continuing a pattern of inconsistency in his major league career. Some analysts believe the team might eventually move on if he cannot translate his raw talent into results.

Roster Competition:

Jones faces stiff competition for playing time from other outfielders like Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter, and George Valera. The team may also target external additions to boost their offense, which could limit his opportunities.

In summary, Jones possesses the raw talent and underlying metrics that suggest he could break out and be a valuable offensive player in 2026, which is why the Guardians are giving him another chance. However, this upside comes with significant risk due to his past performance issues and roster competition.

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2026 Projections

Year 2026
TM Proj
Age 28
PA 431
AB378
R 46
H 92
2B 18
3B 2
HR 10
RBI 47
SB 11
CS 4
BB 46
SO 117
BA .243
OBP .329
SLG .381
OPS .710
TB 144
GDP 6
HBP 4
SH 1
SF 3
IBB 2
Rel 79

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LOW RISK ; HIGH RETURN

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We all know that Jones hit great in 2023; really looks like an athlete; has a very strong throwing arm; and hits the ball hard. Unfortunately, all that results in is one of the worst hitters in baseball.
I've read that he is constantly fiddling with his approach and it sounds like he has a great lack of selfconfidence. Which results in lack of production.

Perhaps for some obscure reason some other team would want him in a trade deal. if this were the NBA where $'s need to balance out in trades his $2M contract would be a useful trade asset. I( dont' see how that benefits the Guardians
So I guess he's back in 2026 and we'll expect wonderful things from him.
Or one more option: like another past 1st round OF draft pick with a great arm and a weak bat, Jones will be pitching out of the bullpen

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories ... -for-2026/

Highlights from Cleveland perspectiive
9. Travis Bazzana, 2B, Guardians
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft was outshined by fellow draftmates like Nick Kurtz and JJ Wetherholt last year. Bazzana dealt with two oblique injuries during an injury-plagued first full professional season, and it probably stings for fantasy managers who drafted him over Kurtz. Despite this, Bazzana was actually very good when on the field. Over 84 games, he hit .245/.389/.424 with nine home runs and 12 stolen bases—a line 37% better than league average competition. With a full-healthy season next year, Bazzana could hit the ground running in Triple-A and earn an early-season promotion to the big league club. Under the hood, he showed advanced plate skills, good angles and the ability to consistently pull the ball in the air.

Some people want us to trade for:
25. Brendan Donovan, 2B/OF, Cardinals
While Donovan won’t carry you in any one category, he does provide an excellent batting average floor. He has yet to exceed 14 home runs or five stolen bases in a season, but he does show strong plate skills resulting in a career-high barrel rate and hard-hit rate in 2025. Donovan dealt with injuries last season and could see a boost in value if he is traded out of St. Louis to a better ballpark.

31. Andres Gimenez, 2B, Blue Jays
In his first full season in the major leagues as a 23-year-old in 2022, Gimenez hit .297 with 17 home runs and 20 stolen bases to accrue a remarkable 6 fWAR. In the three years since, despite stealing 30 stolen bases in two of those years, he hasn’t surpassed a .255 batting average or 15 home runs. Now primarily a defensive specialist who hits at the bottom of the lineup, he should still be a source of 20 stolen bases, but he likely won’t exceed a dozen home runs in a season. He’s posted two-straight years of barrel rates in the bottom 10th percentile, and his counting stats will only be average. That being said, he is still only 27 and has (or plausibly will have) shortstop-eligibility. Pending health, will be in a full-time role for a championship-caliber team for the next few years on account of his platinum defense.

Maybe we kept Jones so we could trade him back to Colorado for: [There has to be some reason]
34. Tyler Freeman, 2B/OF, Rockies
With second base and outfield eligibility, a solid batting average, 8-12 home run and 25-plus stolen base potential, Freeman is a Tommy Edman-type player with the potential to put up a .280 10/30 line. Heading into his age-27 season with a 95th percentile ability to put the bat on the ball in the BABIP-augmenting environs of Coors, there’s a chance he jumps into the top 20 next year.

Hoynes and Noga are another pair of Nolan Jones Fan Club members

Guardians’ puzzling $2 million Nolan Jones signing raises questions about a crowded outfield

CLEVELAND, Ohio — In a move that left many Cleveland baseball observers confused, the Guardians agreed to a $2 million deal with outfielder Nolan Jones ahead of Friday’s non-tender deadline – a decision that directly contradicts their stated developmental philosophy and creates a puzzling outfield logjam heading into 2026.


“They give him a $2 million deal for one year. He did not play well last season, to be frank,” said Paul Hoynes of cleveland.com on a recent podcast. “It was a struggle for him from the start.”

The signing is particularly perplexing given the Guardians’ crowded outfield situation. With prospects like George Valera and Chase DeLauter seemingly ready for extended major league opportunities, bringing back Jones – who struggled throughout 2025 – seems to run counter to Cleveland’s typically prospect-friendly approach.

Joe Noga of cleveland.com highlighted this contradiction: “For a front office that’s constantly going back to ‘We don’t want to bring in veteran stopgap guys because we don’t want to block development opportunities,’ bringing back Jones just seems to run against that whole philosophy.”


A former Cleveland second-round pick who was traded to Colorado before being reacquired last spring, Jones never found his footing with the Guardians in 2025. While he has the physical tools – standing 6-foot-4 with a strong arm and defensive capabilities – his production at the plate has been inconsistent at best, with just one productive season in Colorado.

More Guardians coverage
Inside Cleveland’s blueprint for finding veteran bullpen help on a budget
Could the Guardians’ reputation for pitching rehab success lead them to sign an ex-Toronto righty?
Is José Ramírez on track to surpass Bob Feller as Cleveland’s greatest baseball player ever?
“It’s a head scratcher of a move,” Noga noted. “Is there anything they can do with him in terms of either making him a trade chip or is he a guy who they really do see as a piece that they can use in center or right field?”

The situation becomes even more complicated when examining Cleveland’s outfield depth. In center and right field alone, the Guardians have multiple options that can play both positions. According to Hoynes, it’s a platoon situation that doesn’t seem to need another participant – especially at a $2 million price tag.

One possible explanation is the injury history of Cleveland’s young outfielders. “The young guys you just mentioned have all had an injury-filled past,” Hoynes observed, suggesting Jones could provide insurance against potential injuries to the prospects. “I think injury or the threat of injury or the possibility of injury plays a part in that as well.”


Another theory is that the Guardians see untapped potential in Jones that wasn’t evident during his struggles last season. “Somebody must think there’s more in the tank there,” Hoynes speculated. “He’s 6-foot-5, 220 pounds... he plays good defense, he’s got a good arm, but we just haven’t seen that production at the plate unless they know something we don’t know.”

While $2 million might not be a significant investment for most MLB teams, for the budget-conscious Guardians, it represents resources that could have been allocated elsewhere – making the decision all the more curious.

The Jones signing wasn’t Cleveland’s only move at the non-tender deadline. The team also agreed to terms with versatile right-handed hitter David Fry ($1.375 million) and reliever Matt Festa, while non-tendering Will Brennan, Sam Hentges, and Nick Enright – all decisions that made more immediate sense given their recent performances or injury situations.

As spring training approaches, the Nolan Jones situation will be one of the more intriguing storylines to follow. Does Cleveland’s front office see something in Jones that observers missed, or does this move signal a shift in organizational philosophy?

Who should be on the Guardians Hot Stove shopping list? Bullpen depth, outfielders and more

By Zack Meisel
Dec. 2, 2025 5:00 am MST

CLEVELAND — This time of year, writers pen stories about how their team should sign this player and that player while referencing Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Hurry-Up-Before-The-Work-Stoppage Sunday, and other holiday shopping staples. Well, we’re not going to do that here. (Editor’s note: He’s lying.)

But let’s get in the Hot Stove spirit and truly stamp this as the most wonderful time of year by taking a look at some names the Guardians should consider.

Since the season ended, I’ve heard three Guardians executives each cite that the club finished 28th in the league in runs scored and stress how they can’t allow that to happen again in 2026. Actions speak louder than words, but let’s presume the front office is serious about bolstering the lineup. (And let’s not go all Scrooge and mention the possibility of a Steven Kwan trade.)

You know those holiday commercials where there’s a shiny new SUV sitting in the driveway with a big red bow on the hood, and the family waits for the mom to step outside to see her gift and it’s supposed to be a relatable scene? What the ad reps don’t show you is that the husband hasn’t paid his credit card bills for months and that car is probably going to be repossessed before the snow melts.

Anyway, if the Guardians ever felt like scripting a “December to Remember” (they don’t), Pete Alonso and his right-handed power are precisely what they need. Bah, humbug, that’s not happening.

Given the Guardians’ spending habits — Fun fact: their 2001 and 2025 payrolls were only about $6 million apart, according to Cot’s Contracts — free agency rarely offers them a holly jolly path to addressing the middle of their order. Certain candidates could help on the margins at a reasonable cost, but to land an impact bat, the Guardians probably need to swing a trade. Free agency is not a one-stop shop.

They could sign Adolis García, who, in 2023, hit 39 homers and was a postseason hero. Since then, his walk rate has cratered and his bat speed has declined. Maybe he’s a platoon partner for George Valera or Chase DeLauter in right field, but both García and Christopher Morel seem like the Eddie Rosario or Domingo Santana type of present, one you unwrap and politely say, “Oh, nice. Thank you. I wanted one of these.” Never mind the fact that you wanted it three years ago when it was in style, and in a couple years, you’ll completely forget you ever had one. García’s metrics are looking pretty naughty.

For a nicer forecast, perhaps the Guardians could turn their attention to switch-hitting infielder Jorge Polanco, The Athletic’s No. 22-ranked free agent. He’s projected (by FanGraphs’ Steamer model) to produce offense at a rate 14% better than league average next season. He was 32% better than league average in 2025, with 26 homers, a strikeout rate he chopped in half, and the best hard-hit rate and average exit velocity of his career. He could play second base until Travis Bazzana is ready and then find another position.

The Guardians need hitters. They can sort out the defensive alignment later.

First baseman Ryan O’Hearn hits lefty and would force C.J. Kayfus to the outfield, but he’s a consistently above-average hitter who logged an .803 OPS last season. The Guardians were once fond of infielder Luis Rengifo, but he followed up a couple of solid seasons with a dismal 2025.
Could Rob Refsnyder be on the Guardians’ shopping list this offseason?Emilee Chinn / Getty Images

If they prefer to shop local, they could pursue former members of the organization, including Willi Castro as a super-sub or Rob Refsnyder (or even a reunion with Lane Thomas) as an outfield platoon partner who crushes lefties. Austin Hays, Miguel Andujar or Randal Grichuk could fill the latter role as well. Hays, 30, posted a .949 OPS against lefties for the Cincinnati Reds last season, and was only a tick below average against righties. He seems like a natural fit for Cleveland.

Center fielders Harrison Bader, Cedric Mullins, and JJ Bleday all have varying degrees of appeal, but some red flags, too. A left-handed-hitting corner outfielder like Mike Tauchman or Mike Yastrzemski would have made more sense before the team opted to retain Nolan Jones.

Where the Guardians can really cozy up to some great deals is on the pitching side.

Instead of getting you the iPod you really wanted, did your parents settle for the non-name-brand MP3 player, like a Zune? Or instead of the Beanie Baby you coveted, they got you a Pebble Pet? (In 2024, I spotted someone in a Josh Naylor Guardians City Connect jersey at the airport… except the jersey said “Maylor” and it was more teal than navy. Probably not what they were seeking to purchase, but it still got the point across.)

The Guardians won’t fork over the cash for Edwin Díaz, the iPod of the reliever class, but there are plenty of Zunes available. They know they need to add to their bullpen depth, since Emmanuel Clase might be busy with other endeavors, Sam Hentges is reportedly joining the San Francisco Giants, Nic Enright was cut loose, Jakob Junis and Kolby Allard are free agents, Andrew Walters essentially missed the entire 2025 season and Franco Aleman had a nightmarish year in Columbus. As things stand, Matt Festa is projected to make 135 appearances in 2026.

Tyler Rogers throws an 83-mph sinker and a 74-mph slider, and yet he’ll likely have a line of suitors since hitters can’t square up either pitch. He’s led the NL in appearances each of the last two years. He has a grand total of 13 walks in those two seasons. Last season, he posted a 1.98 ERA.

If the Guardians don’t want to commit to a one-year, $15 million pact or a two-year, $21 million pact, as The Athletic’s elves project he could command, they could shift their attention to Kyle Finnegan, Luke Weaver, Michael Kopech or Seranthony Domínguez, who are plenty capable and affordable. Brad Keller is another intriguing option, a failed starter who emerged as a dominant reliever for the Chicago Cubs last season (.182/.265/.247 opponent slash line).

Some others who could bring a modest bit of holiday cheer: Colin Holderman, Jacob Webb, Gregory Santos, Jorge Alcala, Joey Lucchesi, Tayler Saucedo, Dauri Moreta or Mark Leiter Jr. Don’t delay, though: Ryan Helsley already signed with the Baltimore Orioles and Devin Williams and the Mets linked up on a three-year deal late Monday, so relievers could soon fly off the shelves.

There’s also the sort of gift that a kid might not appreciate right away, but they will eventually, like a college fund or a pair of socks. In that spirit, we’re looking at pitchers who are injured, but could be worth the investment, the way Matthew Boyd was, and the way the Guardians thought John Means might be. Cleveland has become a rehab headquarters for pitchers in recent years, and it’s been a place for pitchers to prosper in general for about a decade now. That might appeal to a free agent.

Perhaps Evan Phillips, who underwent elbow surgery in June and who owns a 2.22 ERA over the last five years, would make sense. Or, in a similar vein, Trent Thornton, Max Kranick or Danny Young. If the Guardians want another he-was-awesome-in-2022-but-has-been-a-mess-ever-since project to replace their previous he-was-awesome-in-2022-but-has-been-a-mess-ever-since project, Triston McKenzie, they could buy low on Alek Manoah.

The Guardians also like to covertly attempt to add starting pitching depth. They offered Carlos Rodón a three-year deal before he signed with the Giants ahead of the 2022 season. They courted Nick Pivetta last winter before he joined the San Diego Padres. They ended last season with six reliable starters, but if they want a seventh, maybe someone like Tyler Mahle would make sense. He could sign a one-year pact (perhaps with a second-year option) to rebuild his value after a few years of injuries and a 2.18 ERA in 16 starts in 2025, a sample that wasn’t totally supported by underlying metrics.

The Guardians have a lot to check off their list in the coming months. A little holiday shopping can help. ‘Tis the season and whatnot.