The Mariners apparently managed to lose a managerial candidate they never called. To be fair, it’s not even their fault. It’s on us…the media. Had we established that Seattle was even interested?

Regardless, Stephen Vogt is staying with the Cleveland Guardians, and Seattle’s contribution to the supposed homecoming story appears to have been providing a convenient location on the map.

Maybe Vogt’s name came up internally. The Mariners’ brass has been as tight-lipped as it gets about this search, leaving plenty of room for speculation. It’s understandable why fans kept coming back to Vogt. But according to Guardians president Chris Antonetti, Seattle never inquired.

The manager’s own explanation Thursday was considerably shorter than the speculation surrounding him.

“I’m coming back,” Vogt said.

Well, that should simplify the next round of candidate lists.

Look, we can understand how this became a conversation. Vogt’s family lives in Olympia. He worked as Seattle’s bullpen coach in 2023.…