Guardians' Stephen Vogt Expects World Series Victory

Cleveland manager sets clear goal for 2026 season

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt has made it clear that the team's goal for the 2026 season is to win the World Series. Despite ongoing distractions, including a federal investigation into closer Emmanuel Clase, Vogt is focused on leading his team to the top of the American League Central standings and beyond.

Why it matters

The Guardians are coming off an 88-74 season in 2025 where they won their division but lost in the Wild Card round. Vogt's bold declaration of a World Series or bust mentality sets high expectations for the team and its young talent, including outfielder Chase DeLauter, as they aim to take the next step and capture the franchise's first championship since 1948.

The details

Vogt stated bluntly that the team's sole focus is "to win a World Series." The Guardians are trying to move past the ongoing federal investigation into Clase's alleged pitch-rigging, with Vogt declining to comment publicly on the matter. Vogt also pushed back against the league's increased use of pitch-calling from the dugout, saying it won't happen with the Guardians' "three unbelievable game callers." The team is counting on continued development from prospects like DeLauter, who played in the postseason last year.

  • The Guardians start spring training games on Saturday, February 22, 2026, against the Cincinnati Reds.
  • Cleveland finished the 2025 season with an 88-74 record, winning the AL Central division.

The players

Stephen Vogt

The manager of the Cleveland Guardians, who has set a clear goal of winning the World Series in 2026.

Emmanuel Clase

The Guardians' closer who is the subject of an ongoing federal investigation into alleged pitch-rigging.

Chase DeLauter

A young Guardians outfield prospect who played in the postseason in 2025 and is expected to contribute more in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We're here for one thing, and that's to win a World Series.”

— Stephen Vogt, Manager, Cleveland Guardians (MLB.com)

“I know it's happening now in some places, but it won't happen in Cleveland. We haven't called them because we're not back there — and I'm biased because I used to be. I don't know what they're seeing or feeling. I don't know where the pitchers are missing or by how much. We're blessed with three unbelievable game callers. Maybe it's different if we had a catcher who wasn't a good game caller, but our guys do all the homework.”

— Stephen Vogt, Manager, Cleveland Guardians (The Athletic)

What’s next

The judge in the Clase investigation is expected to make a decision on whether to allow him to play during the 2026 season at a hearing on March 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Vogt's bold declaration of a World Series or bust mentality for the Guardians in 2026 sets high expectations for a team with a mix of young talent and veteran leadership. Despite ongoing distractions, Cleveland is focused on taking the next step and capturing its first championship in over 75 years.