News Summary
The Baltimore Orioles are close to hiring Craig Albernaz as their new manager, signaling a shift in leadership as the team aims to rebuild for future seasons. Albernaz, 42, has a solid coaching background, including tenure with the Cleveland Guardians. The Orioles finished a disappointing last in their division last season, and Albernaz’s arrival comes at a crucial time, as Baltimore looks to rejuvenate its roster and return to competitive form in the upcoming season.
Baltimore
The Baltimore Orioles are nearing the completion of a deal to appoint Craig Albernaz as their next manager, marking a significant shift in the team’s leadership as they aim to rekindle their postseason ambitions in 2026.
Key Details of the Hiring
The news of Albernaz’s potential hiring was confirmed by a source familiar with the situation to MLB.com and was first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The 42-year-old candidate is set to take on this leadership role, with his 43rd birthday occurring on Thursday.
Albernaz’s coaching credentials include two seasons on the coaching staff of the Cleveland Guardians, where he contributed to the team’s success, including two consecutive AL Central division titles in 2023 and 2024. During the 2024 season, the Guardians posted a 92-69 record and advanced to the AL Championship Series. In 2025, the team finished with an 88-74 record but was eliminated in the AL Wild Card Series by the Detroit Tigers.
Background and Experience
Prior to his coaching career, Albernaz was a minor league catcher from 2006 to 2014, working within the Tampa Bay Rays and Detroit Tigers organizations. His transition to coaching saw him serve as the bullpen and catching coach for the San Francisco Giants between 2020 and 2023. Despite limited managerial experience, Albernaz has been a prominent candidate for MLB managerial openings in recent years, often regarded as a highly regarded emerging leader.
He previously managed Single-A teams in the Rays’ system, including Hudson Valley in 2017 and Bowling Green in 2018. Albernaz was a finalist for managerial jobs with the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins last offseason but chose to remain with the Guardians during that period.
Challenges Facing the Orioles
The Orioles finished the 2025 season with a disappointing record of 75-87, placing last in the AL East. The team’s previous manager, Brandon Hyde, was dismissed in May after a poor start to the season. During Hyde’s absence, Tony Mansolino served as interim manager, guiding the team to a 60-59 finish for the remainder of the season.
The team’s current leadership vacancy comes at a pivotal time, with Baltimore seeking a quick turnaround to restore competitive form. Albernaz’s role will be critical in shaping the team’s future, especially considering the roster’s promising young talents such as Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday.
Team Outlook and Future Expectations
The Orioles are under pressure to reestablish themselves as playoff contenders after making back-to-back postseason appearances in 2023 and 2024. The team’s management is optimistic about the prospects for 2026, relying on a core of young players and some returning from injury to bolster their roster.
While the team’s pitching depth remains limited, recent injury recoveries provide hope for improved performance. The new manager’s impact will be closely scrutinized as the Orioles aim to climb the standings in the highly competitive AL East division.
Broader Context in MLB
With Albernaz’s emerging role as Baltimore’s manager, the number of managerial vacancies across Major League Baseball has decreased to five teams: the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals, and Minnesota Twins. This shift reflects the ongoing pursuit by franchises to find the right leadership to improve their upcoming seasons.
As Albernaz prepares to take on his new position, expectations are high nonetheless, with the franchise seeking an immediate improvement in team performance and a return to postseason relevance in the upcoming campaign.
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