News Summary
The Baltimore Orioles are finalizing an agreement to bring Craig Albernaz on board as their new manager. Albernaz has enjoyed success with the Cleveland Guardians, where he contributed to their recent American League Central titles. With the Orioles aiming to turn around their struggling franchise, Albernaz’s leadership will be key as he guides a promising core of young players. The team is looking to rekindle its competitive spirit after recent playoff appearances and is hopeful for a quick recovery amidst challenges.
Baltimore, MD – The Baltimore Orioles are nearing an agreement to hire Craig Albernaz as their new manager, marking a significant shift for the struggling franchise. This development was confirmed by a reliable source and initially reported by a prominent sports journalist.
Albernaz, who is currently 42 years old and will celebrate his 43rd birthday on Thursday, has spent the last two seasons as a member of the coaching staff for the Cleveland Guardians. During his tenure with the Guardians, he contributed to two successful seasons, where the team clinched the American League Central title in both 2023 and 2024.
Before his coaching career, Albernaz had a background as a minor league catcher from 2006 to 2014, playing for both the Tampa Bay Rays and Detroit Tigers organizations. His coaching experience includes managing Single-A Hudson Valley in 2017 and Single-A Bowling Green in 2018, both within the Rays’ minor league system. Despite his limited managerial experience at higher levels, Albernaz has emerged as a favored candidate for various MLB managerial positions in recent years, being a finalist for roles with the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins last offseason before opting to remain with the Guardians.
The Guardians enjoyed a commendable record of 92-69 during the 2024 season, making it to the AL Championship Series, and followed that up with an 88-74 record in 2025, although they were eliminated in the AL Wild Card Series by the Detroit Tigers. This track record adds to Albernaz’s credentials as he now faces the challenge of revitalizing an Orioles team that finished in last place in the American League East in 2025, compiling a disappointing 75-87 record.
The team recently parted ways with former manager Brandon Hyde in May 2025 after a lackluster start, resulting in interim manager Tony Mansolino leading the team to a final record of 60-59 for the remainder of the season. Albernaz will become the second manager hired by Orioles general manager Mike Elias since he took over in November 2018.
The Orioles are under pressure to compete for postseason positions again, particularly following two consecutive playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024. Albernaz is expected to help guide a promising core of young players, including Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday, as they aim for a quick turnaround in 2026.
Despite Albernaz stepping into a team that possesses limited pitching depth, there is optimism surrounding players returning from injury, offering a glimmer of hope for improvement. The announcement of his appointment also leaves only five managerial vacancies across Major League Baseball, with teams such as the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals, and Minnesota Twins still searching for new leadership.
The Orioles’ management clearly aims to capitalize on Albernaz’s recent successes to foster a culture of winning within the organization, striving for a significant rebound after a challenging recent history.
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