Orioles Hire Craig Albernaz as New Manager to Lead Team Forward

Orioles president Mike Elias expressed his excitement about the hire, praising Albernaz’s impressive career across multiple organizations. Albernaz, 43, is regarded as one of baseball’s top young coaches, having built a reputation for his strong leadership and ability to connect with players, particularly younger talent.

The Orioles’ decision to hire him follows a tough 2025 campaign, where the team struggled after a midseason managerial change. With the franchise boasting a talented core, Albernaz’s appointment signals their ambition to return to playoff contention and eventually challenge for a World Series title.

The Orioles made the difficult decision to fire manager Brandon Hyde in mid-May after a 15-28 start to the season, putting Tony Mansolino in as interim manager. Under Mansolino, the team finished the season with a 75-87 record, landing in last place in the AL East. Despite the challenging season, the Orioles’ roster, led by a group of young hitters, made the job one of the most coveted managerial positions available in the offseason.

Albernaz, who was previously the associate manager for the Cleveland Guardians, is expected to bring the expertise, experience, and leadership needed to help elevate the team back to its winning ways. The Orioles are banking on Albernaz’s ability to guide a roster filled with top-tier prospects and turn potential into consistent performance on the field.

1. Albernaz’s Track Record and Reputation

Craig Albernaz has steadily built a reputation as one of the most respected young coaches in Major League Baseball. Prior to his appointment with the Orioles, he spent time with the Cleveland Guardians, where he served as the associate manager and was part of the team’s success in the American League Central this year. Albernaz was a finalist for the Guardians’ managerial position in 2023, though the job ultimately went to Stephen Vogt. His move to Baltimore comes after a successful stint as a bench coach with Cleveland, where he was instrumental in guiding the team. Before his coaching career took off, Albernaz enjoyed a solid nine-year playing career as a catcher, making it to Triple-A but never breaking into the major leagues. His time spent behind the plate allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the game, which he later used in coaching roles. Albernaz joined the Tampa Bay Rays organization in 2015 as a coach, where he spent eight seasons, including two years managing in the minor leagues. His coaching journey continued when the San Francisco Giants hired him as a bullpen and catching coach in 2020. In both Cleveland and San Francisco, Albernaz earned a reputation for his ability to form strong relationships with players, a trait that made him an attractive candidate for the Orioles. As the Orioles’ roster includes several exciting young stars, Albernaz’s ability to connect with players and his deep knowledge of the game are expected to play a pivotal role in their development. Albernaz’s focus on building strong player relationships and developing talent is exactly what the Orioles need as they look to transition from a rebuilding phase into a more competitive team. With his leadership and experience, Albernaz is well-positioned to manage a roster filled with high-potential players.

2. The Orioles’ Young Core and Pitching Concerns

One of the biggest draws for Albernaz to the Orioles’ job is the team’s impressive young talent. The Orioles have one of the most promising rosters in the major leagues, led by stars like shortstop Gunnar Henderson, catcher Adley Rutschman, infielder Jordan Westburg, and outfielder Colton Cowser. The team’s minor league system is also brimming with talent, including second baseman Jackson Holliday, outfielder Dylan Beavers, and slugger Samuel Basallo. With such a high-ceiling group of young players, Albernaz will have the opportunity to shape the future of the franchise. However, while the team’s offense is a strength, the Orioles have struggled with pitching, which remains a major concern moving forward. Last season, their pitching staff was inconsistent, and while there are some bright spots, including Trevor Rogers’ breakout year and the return of Kyle Bradish after Tommy John surgery, there are still questions surrounding their rotation depth. Right-hander Grayson Rodriguez is recovering from shoulder and elbow injuries, and the team’s bullpen remains thin in terms of depth and proven talent. Albernaz’s ability to address the pitching issues will be crucial to the Orioles’ success in the coming seasons. While the team’s young hitters have the potential to carry the offense, improving the pitching staff will be essential if the Orioles are to compete in the tough AL East. Albernaz’s work with pitchers will likely be a focal point as he looks to develop a more balanced team capable of going deep into the postseason. Given the strength of the Orioles’ young roster and the need for pitching development, Albernaz will have the challenge of balancing both areas to create a competitive and sustainable team. His success in this role will depend on his ability to guide the pitchers while continuing to foster the growth of the young hitters that form the foundation of the team.

3. The Challenge of the AL East and the Road Ahead

Managing the Orioles will not be an easy task, especially in the hyper-competitive AL East. With powerhouse teams like the reigning AL champions, the Toronto Blue Jays, the always-strong New York Yankees, and the rising Boston Red Sox, Albernaz will face a tough challenge in leading the Orioles back to the playoffs. The Tampa Bay Rays, a perennial contender, also pose a significant challenge within the division, making the AL East one of the most difficult divisions in all of baseball. Despite these challenges, Albernaz’s leadership and the Orioles’ promising roster provide hope for a competitive future. The young talent in Baltimore gives the team a solid foundation, but the road to success will require effective management of both the players’ development and the pitching staff. Albernaz’s experience working with young teams, coupled with his ability to develop relationships and build trust with players, will be crucial in helping the Orioles navigate the intense competition in the AL East. The Orioles’ future is filled with potential, but Albernaz’s ability to manage the day-to-day operations, handle the media spotlight, and guide the team through the pressure of a competitive division will be key to their long-term success. With a strong roster and the right leadership, the Orioles could soon be a contender in the American League.