The Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a deal to hire Craig Albernaz as their next manager, sources confirmed on Sunday. Albernaz, currently the associate manager for the Cleveland Guardians, is set to lead a team with a promising young roster but coming off a disappointing 2025 season.
Reports emerged on October 26, 2025, indicating that the Orioles are close to appointing Albernaz to the position. This move follows the mid-May firing of previous manager Brandon Hyde after a 15-28 start, with Tony Mansolino serving as interim manager for the remainder of the season. Under Mansolino, the Orioles finished with a 75-87 record, placing last in the competitive American League East division.
Craig Albernaz, 42, brings a strong reputation for player development and strategic insight to the role. As the associate manager for the Guardians, he contributed to their AL Central title this year, and he was previously a finalist for Cleveland’s managerial job in 2023 before joining as bench coach under Stephen Vogt. His background as a former catcher has honed his baseball acumen, making him a respected figure in coaching circles.
Albernaz’s path to this opportunity includes a nine-year minor league catching career, primarily with the Tampa Bay Rays, who hired him as a coach in 2015. He gained managerial experience in the low minors and served as bullpen and catching coach for the San Francisco Giants starting in 2020. Throughout his career, he has been praised for building strong relationships with players, particularly younger talents, which aligns with the Orioles’ needs.
The Orioles’ managerial vacancy was considered one of the most attractive this offseason due to their core of emerging stars. Key players include shortstop Gunnar Henderson, catcher Adley Rutschman, infielder Jordan Westburg, outfielder Colton Cowser, and second baseman Jackson Holliday, among others like Dylan Beavers, Samuel Basallo, and Coby Mayo. This group gives Baltimore one of the highest-ceiling rosters in Major League Baseball, full of potential for future success.
However, the team faced significant pitching challenges in 2025, which will be a focal point for Albernaz. While left-hander Trevor Rogers had a breakout year and right-hander Kyle Bradish is returning from Tommy John surgery, injuries affected other pitchers such as Grayson Rodriguez, who dealt with shoulder and elbow issues. The rotation and bullpen depth remain areas that require attention to compete effectively in the upcoming seasons.
Albernaz will step into a demanding AL East division, featuring the current American League champion Toronto Blue Jays, a powerful New York Yankees team, an ascendant Boston Red Sox squad, and the consistently competitive Tampa Bay Rays. Navigating this gauntlet will test his managerial skills from the outset, as he aims to elevate the Orioles from their last-place finish and build a winning culture.
This hiring signals a fresh start for the Orioles, emphasizing development and competitiveness. Albernaz’s ability to connect with players and his strategic background are expected to help harness the team’s young talent, with the goal of returning to contention in the near future. His first tasks will likely include addressing pitching deficiencies and fostering team cohesion ahead of the 2026 season.