Baltimore, MD, October 27, 2025
News Summary
The Baltimore Orioles are finalizing plans to hire Craig Albernaz as their new manager as they seek to revitalize the team’s performance for the upcoming season. Albernaz, who previously coached with the Cleveland Guardians, is expected to bring a fresh perspective following the dismissal of former manager Brandon Hyde. The Orioles are under pressure to return to postseason contention and capitalize on their promising young talent. Albernaz’s appointment reflects the organization’s commitment to competing at a higher level in Major League Baseball.
Baltimore, MD – The Baltimore Orioles are on the verge of finalizing a deal to hire Craig Albernaz as their new manager. This development has been confirmed by a reliable source and was first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Albernaz, who is 42 years old and will turn 43 on Thursday, is expected to take charge of the team as they aim for an immediate turnaround in the upcoming 2026 season.
Albernaz has spent the past two seasons as a member of the coaching staff for the Cleveland Guardians. His coaching tenure has seen the Guardians win the AL Central title in both 2023 and 2024. The team’s accomplishments include finishing the 2024 season with a record of 92-69, which led them to reach the AL Championship Series, followed by an 88-74 record in 2025, although they were knocked out in the AL Wild Card Series by the Detroit Tigers.
Despite having limited managerial experience in professional baseball, Albernaz has emerged as a popular choice for MLB coaching roles. Previously, he managed in the Minor League system for the Tampa Bay Rays, overseeing Single-A teams in 2017 and 2018. His recent success with the Guardians included serving as the bullpen and catching coach for the San Francisco Giants from 2020 to 2023. Before his coaching career, Albernaz played as a minor league catcher from 2006 to 2014.
His appointment comes after the Orioles parted ways with former manager Brandon Hyde in May 2025, following a disappointing start to the season. Interim manager Tony Mansolino took over and led the team to a 60-59 record, but the Orioles ultimately finished last in the AL East with a record of 75-87. The Orioles are under pressure to return to postseason contention after making back-to-back playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024, yet failing to secure a playoff win during Hyde’s tenure.
As Albernaz steps into this role, he will face the challenge of leading a team with potential but lacking depth in pitching. Nonetheless, the Orioles boast a core of promising young players such as Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday, which gives hope for a brighter future. Albernaz will be the second manager hired by Orioles general manager Mike Elias since he took over in November 2018, reflecting the organization’s commitment to achieving competitive success.
With Albernaz’s hiring, the number of managerial vacancies in Major League Baseball has now decreased to five teams: the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals, and Minnesota Twins.
Key Achievements and Career Overview of Craig Albernaz
- Managerial Experience: Managed Single-A Hudson Valley (2017) and Single-A Bowling Green (2018)
- Cleveland Guardians Coach: Coached with the Guardians during back-to-back AL Central wins (2023, 2024)
- Minor League Playing Career: Played as a catcher from 2006-2014 in the Rays’ and Tigers’ organizations
- Giants Coaching Role: Served as bullpen/catching coach from 2020-2023
Future Prospects for the Orioles
| Season | Record | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Playoff Appearance | Won AL East |
| 2024 | Playoff Appearance | Reached AL Championship Series |
| 2025 | 75-87 | Last in AL East, Hyde fired |
FAQ Section
What is Craig Albernaz’s background in baseball?
Craig Albernaz is a former minor league catcher who played from 2006 to 2014. He has various coaching roles, including his recent stint with the Cleveland Guardians.
Why did the Orioles hire a new manager?
The Orioles hired a new manager to turn around the team’s performance after finishing last in the AL East and failing to secure a playoff win during the previous manager’s tenure.
What are the Orioles’ goals for the 2026 season?
The Orioles aim to return to postseason contention by leveraging their core of young players and addressing weaknesses, especially in pitching depth.
What was the previous manager’s record with the Orioles?
Brandon Hyde, the previous manager, oversaw the team until May 2025 and did not secure a playoff win during his tenure, culminating in a 75-87 record in 2025.
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