"Vogt and Murphy Named Managers of the Year for the Brewers and Guardians"

Stephen Vogt, the manager of the Cleveland Guardians, was named the American League Manager of the Year on Tuesday evening by Major League Baseball. At the same time, Pat Murphy of the Milwaukee Brewers was announced as the winner in the National League.

In his first year as manager, Vogt led the AL Central champion Guardians to a successful season, winning 92 games and making it to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2016. However, they ultimately lost to the New York Yankees in five games.

At 40 years old, Vogt is a unique recipient of the award, having just retired from playing in 2022. He is also the fastest to win the award after a playing career, the fifth-youngest winner overall, and one of only 10 to win in their first year as manager.

Also see this picks: Navy Midshipmen vs. Army Black Knights Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 14th 2024 Also see this picks: South Alabama Jaguars vs. Western Michigan Broncos Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 14th 2024

Vogt took over for three-time Manager of the Year Terry Francona (2013, 2016, 2022) and immediately made an impact, improving the team from 76 wins to 92 wins in just one year. The Guardians now tie with the Chicago White Sox for the most MOY awards all-time (five), with Eric Wedge also winning in 2007.

Vogt received 27 out of a possible 30 first-place votes, beating out fellow AL Central managers Matt Quatraro of the Kansas City Royals and A.J. Hinch of the Detroit Tigers, both of whom also led their teams to postseason appearances.

In a similar fashion, 65-year-old Murphy also won 27 first-place votes in his first full year as manager. However, his wealth of experience in Milwaukee was in stark contrast to Vogt's. Murphy had previously served as a top assistant to Craig Counsell - whom he once coached at Notre Dame (1988-94) - and also had a long coaching career at Arizona State (1995-2009). He also filled in as an interim manager for the San Diego Padres in 2015.

In 2024, Murphy led the Brewers to a 93-69 record, winning the NL Central and making it to the postseason despite facing significant challenges, such as the departure of Corbin Burnes and injuries to top right-handers Brandon Woodruff and Devin Williams.

Murphy beat out Mike Shildt of the Padres and Carlos Mendoza of the New York Mets for the NL award.