After a disappointing year, the Cleveland Guardians have many questions heading into the off-season. One of the most notable questions is who will be hired as the new manager. Long-time Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona announced his retirement at the end of the year, ending his 11-year tenure with the Organization. Francona managed for 23 years in the big leagues, won two World Series rings with the Red Sox, and was a three-time Manager of the Year award winner, all during his time in Cleveland. 

The Guardians have already spent little time interviewing candidates for the vacant manager position. According to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic, the Guardians have already had an interview with Andy Green. Green, the former San Diego Padres Manager (2016-2019) and now bench coach of the Chicago Cubs. As external candidates, the Guardians are also linked to Stephen Vogt, Clayton McCullough, Carlos Mendoza, and Craig Albernaz. Although it does not seem the Organization will go this way, the Guardians' internal candidates are John McDonald, Chris Valaika, and Rob Cerfolio. 

Even with all those other options, Cleveland might get a chance to replace Francona with one of the best managers in the league, Milwaukee Brewers Manager Craig Counsell. Counsell has been the Brewers manager for the past nine years. As the 2023 season was the last year of Counsell's contract, the former three-time manager of the year finalist will move on to another team in 2024. The Guardians and New York Mets were both permitted to interview Counsell. If Cleveland wants any chance at Counsell, they will have to compete and be willing to spend a good amount of money, but for a manager of this caliber, it may be in the Organization's best interest. Even with all those other options, Cleveland might get a chance to replace Francona with one of the best managers in the league, Milwaukee Brewers Manager Craig Counsell.