Orioles Hire Craig Albernaz as New Manager Following Disappointing Season

UPDATE: The Baltimore Orioles are set to hire Craig Albernaz as their new manager, according to sources close to the situation. This announcement comes as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season that ended with a 75-87 record, placing them last in the American League East.

The Orioles moved swiftly to fill the managerial vacancy after firing Brandon Hyde in mid-May following a troubling start of 15-28. Tony Mansolino served as the interim manager for the remainder of the season, but now, with Albernaz on board, the franchise aims to capitalize on its promising young talent.

Albernaz, currently 42 years old, previously served as the associate manager for the Cleveland Guardians, who clinched the American League Central title this year. His experience includes a stint as bench coach for the Guardians and significant coaching roles with the San Francisco Giants and Tampa Bay Rays, where he built a reputation for his strong player relationships and coaching acumen.

The decision to bring Albernaz to Baltimore signals a strategic move to leverage the team’s youthful core, which features standout players like Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jordan Westburg. The Orioles boast one of the highest-ceiling rosters in Major League Baseball, making the managerial role one of the most coveted this offseason.

However, the team faces challenges on the pitching front. Despite a breakout year from left-hander Trevor Rogers and the expected return of right-hander Kyle Bradish from Tommy John surgery, concerns linger over the health of Grayson Rodriguez, who is recovering from shoulder and elbow injuries. The Orioles’ pitching depth remains a critical issue as they prepare for the upcoming season.

What’s Next? Albernaz will navigate the tough landscape of the AL East, contending with powerhouse teams like the reigning AL champion Toronto Blue Jays, the formidable New York Yankees, the emerging Boston Red Sox, and the consistently competitive Tampa Bay Rays.

As this news breaks, the Orioles’ fanbase is buzzing with anticipation for the 2026 season, hopeful that Albernaz’s leadership will steer the team back to contention. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Orioles finalize the deal and prepare for a critical offseason.