The Guardians announced this afternoon that they have hired Tony Arnerich as their bench coach for the 2026 season. Zach Messer of The Athletic reported the news before it was finalized. He will replace Craig Albernaz as Stephen Vogt’s top lieutenant in Cleveland. Albernarz, who once held the title of assistant manager, left last month to become Orioles manager.
Anaric, 45, has been the Mariners bullpen coach for the past two seasons. Seattle hired former catcher Austin Nola to fill the position earlier this week. The M’s did not announce Anaric’s future at the time as they were waiting for his deal with Cleveland to be finalized. When they made the deal with Nora, they obviously knew he would move on.
This is the second time this week that the Guardians have hired a coach outside of Seattle. On Tuesday, they named Andy McKay as field coordinator. In the 2023 season, Vogt served as the bullpen coach for Seattle. He definitely worked with McKay in the front office. Anarich was an assistant coach in Major League Baseball at the time. After Vogt left Cleveland, he transitioned to a bullpen role.
Anaric spent a brief career in the minors and independents in the 2000s. He spent nearly a decade as a college coach, primarily with the Cal Golden Bears, before joining the M’s organization as a minor league coach. During his time with Seattle, he worked in both hitting and pitching.
