CLEVELAND -- Guardians manager Stephen Vogt has his new right-hand man, the club announced Thursday, after hiring Tony Arnerich as Cleveland's new bench coach.
Arnerich, 45, spent the past four seasons on the Mariners’ big league coaching staff, part of a nine-year tenure with Seattle in which he worked alongside Vogt. Arnerich fills the role on the Guardians’ staff vacated by former associate manager Craig Albernaz, whom the Orioles named their new skipper last month.
During his time with the Mariners, Arnerich served as the organization’s assistant hitting coordinator and catching coordinator (2017-19) and Minor League field and catching coordinator (‘20-21). The Santa Rosa, Calif., native joined Seattle’s big league staff as hitting coach in ‘22 and held that role for two seasons.
Vogt was the Mariners’ bullpen coach in 2023. Arnerich took over that role after Vogt vacated it to become the Guardians’ skipper two years ago.
Before his time with the Mariners, Arnerich spent nine years as a college coach, including eight as an assistant for Cal Berkeley from 2007-14. He also played five seasons in the Minors (2001-05) in the Royals and Marlins organizations.
Given how closely a manager and bench coach work together in-game and in game-planning, it makes sense that Vogt is gaining a familiar face on his staff following Albernaz’s departure. Arnerich is also the Guardians’ second coaching staff addition this offseason with whom Vogt has previous ties.
Cleveland named former Seattle assistant general manager Andy McKay its new field coordinator on Wednesday. McKay (who filled the role vacated by new Mets bench coach Kai Correa) spent the past 10 seasons in the Mariners’ front office.