Cleveland’s latest move—bringing in a bench coach linked to a rising AL manager—has sparked buzz about the Guardians’ long-term plan.NL

The Guardians are continuing to shape their coaching staff under first-year manager Stephen Vogt, and the latest addition brings a familiar face into the fold. Cleveland has hired Tony Arnerich as their new bench coach for the 2026 season, replacing Craig Albernaz, who left last month to take over as manager of the Orioles.

Arnerich, 45, comes over from Seattle, where he spent the past two seasons as the Mariners’ bullpen coach. Earlier this week, the Mariners filled that vacancy by bringing in former catcher Austin Nola, a move that signaled Arnerich’s departure was already in motion. While Seattle hadn’t officially commented on Arnerich’s future at the time, it was clear they were preparing for his exit as he finalized his deal with Cleveland.

This marks the second time in a matter of days that the Guardians have pulled a coach from the Mariners’ ranks. Earlier this week, they hired Andy McKay as their new field coordinator.

There’s a strong connective thread here: Vogt spent the 2023 season on Seattle’s staff as bullpen coach, working alongside McKay, who held a front office role, and Arnerich, who was then serving as co-hitting coach. When Vogt left to take the reins in Cleveland, Arnerich transitioned to the bullpen coach role in Seattle.

Now, with Vogt building out his own staff in Cleveland, he’s bringing in people he knows and trusts-coaches who’ve shared a dugout and a philosophy with him. That kind of continuity matters, especially for a first-time manager looking to establish a culture and rhythm from day one.

Arnerich’s coaching résumé is well-rounded. Before his time in the majors, he spent close to a decade coaching at the college level, most notably with the Cal Golden Bears.

His background as a minor league player in the 2000s gives him a grounded perspective, and his development work in Seattle’s system-touching both hitting and pitching-speaks to his versatility and adaptability. He’s not just a bullpen guy or a hitting guy; he’s a baseball guy, period.

For the Guardians, this hire is about more than just filling a vacancy. It’s about surrounding Vogt with people who understand his approach and can help translate that to a young and evolving roster. Arnerich brings experience, familiarity, and a developmental mindset-exactly the kind of support a rookie manager needs as he navigates his first full season at the helm.