Replacing a legend like Terry Francona isn't an easy task to accomplish. The Cleveland Guardians are trying to find their new manager at the moment, however. There are a number of options to choose him, but it appears a favorite has emerged, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.

“Longtime major league catcher Stephen Vogt is emerging as a serious candidate for the Cleveland Guardians managerial job, sources tell ESPN. Vogt, 38, is a coach with Seattle and previously interviewed for San Francisco’s job, where Bob Melvin is the leading candidate,” Passan reported.

As Passan noted, Bob Melvin is a serious candidate for the San Francisco Giants' job following the firing of Gabe Kapler. As a result, Vogt likely won't be headed to the Giants. Cleveland, however, seems to be interested in the former MLB catcher.

Stephen Vogt's respectable playing career

Stephen Vogt swinging a baseball bat in an Oakland Athletics uniform

The 38-year-old enjoyed a strong big league playing career. He made back-to-back All-Star teams in 2015 and 2016 with the Oakland Athletics. During that time, Vogt emerged as one of baseball's better catchers.

Vogt's best years came in Oakland. In addition to the A's, he also spent time with the Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Atlanta Braves. Although his production significantly declined toward the end of his career, Vogt continued to provide important leadership for the teams he was on.

It is not difficult to see why teams like the Guardians are considering hiring Vogt to be their manager.

Guardians: Replacing Terry Francona

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Terry Francona's managing career isn't necessarily over, as he didn't officially announce his retirement. At 64-years old, there is a chance we have seen the last of Francona in a big league dugout though.

Francona will be remembered as one of MLB's best managers. He led the Boston Red Sox to multiple championships and almost guided Cleveland to their first World Series victory since 1948 in 2016. Despite falling just short against the Chicago Cubs in the '16 Fall Classic, Francona enjoyed a tremendous managing career with the Guardians.

Vogt won't step in and make the same kind of impact as Francona if Cleveland hires him. It takes time to become a well-respected manager. But Vogt displayed manager-like qualities during his playing career. Additionally, former catchers tend to make good coaches in the big leagues.

We will see if the Guardians decide to name Vogt as their next head coach.