Baltimore, October 27, 2025
News Summary
The Baltimore Orioles are set to appoint Craig Albernaz as their new manager, marking a pivotal moment for the team following a disappointing season. Albernaz, who has experience coaching with the Cleveland Guardians and a background in minor league management, will aim to rejuvenate a roster filled with young talent. His task will focus on improving the team’s performance after a last-place finish in the American League East, addressing pitching depth issues, and restoring the Orioles’ competitive stature as they head into the upcoming season.
Baltimore – The Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a deal to hire Craig Albernaz as their new manager, according to sources. This decision marks a significant step for the team, which finished last in the American League East in 2025 with a disappointing record of 75-87. Albernaz’s appointment comes after a tumultuous 2025 season when the Orioles parted ways with former manager Brandon Hyde in May following a poor start and subsequently placed Tony Mansolino in the interim managerial role.
At 42 years old, Albernaz brings a mix of baseball experience and a strong pedigree from his coaching roles, particularly during his recent tenure on the Cleveland Guardians’ coaching staff where he helped lead the team to back-to-back AL Central division titles in 2023 and 2024. The Guardians concluded the 2024 season with a commendable record of 92-69, advancing to the AL Championship Series, and closing out 2025 with an 88-74 record, although they were later eliminated in the AL Wild Card Series.
Despite his limited managerial experience, Albernaz has gained a reputation as a prominent candidate for managerial positions across Major League Baseball. He was previously a finalist for the managerial openings for the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins before opting to stay with the Guardians. His coaching career traces back to his managerial roles at Single-A Hudson Valley and Single-A Bowling Green in the Tampa Bay Rays Minor League system.
Before transitioning to coaching, Albernaz had a playing career that spanned from 2006 to 2014 as a minor league catcher for the Rays and Detroit Tigers organizations. Following his playing days, he served as the bullpen and catching coach for the San Francisco Giants from 2020 to 2023, further sharpening his skills for leadership roles.
Albernaz’s new responsibilities will focus on rejuvenating an Orioles roster laden with young talent, including players like Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday. After achieving playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024, the Orioles are in desperate need of a swift turnaround in 2026, especially given the expectations from fans and ownership for improved performance.
The Orioles’ previous managerial situation was highlighted by the team’s inability to secure a playoff victory during Hyde’s tenure. While the team has some promising young talent, they face challenges in pitching depth, with several players expected to return from injuries in 2026. Albernaz, now set to become the second manager appointed by Orioles general manager Mike Elias since his tenure began in November 2018, will be tasked with leveraging the existing talent pool while addressing the pitching concerns to restore the Orioles’ competitive stature.
As of now, Albernaz’s appointment further reduces the number of managerial vacancies in MLB to just five teams, namely the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals, and Minnesota Twins.
FAQ
Who is Craig Albernaz?
Craig Albernaz is an experienced baseball coach who has served on the Cleveland Guardians’ coaching staff and is set to become the new manager of the Baltimore Orioles.
What is Albernaz’s coaching background?
Albernaz previously managed in the Tampa Bay Rays Minor League system and has served as the bullpen and catching coach for the San Francisco Giants.
What were the Orioles’ recent seasons like?
The Orioles finished last in the AL East in 2025 with a record of 75-87, following back-to-back playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024.
What challenges does Albernaz face as the new manager?
Albernaz must lead a young team while addressing pitching depth issues and turning around a franchise that has struggled for playoff success.
Key Features of Craig Albernaz’s Appointment
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Craig Albernaz |
| Age | 42 (turning 43 soon) |
| Previous Teams | Cleveland Guardians, San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Rays Minor League System |
| Orioles 2025 Record | 75-87 |
| Division Titles with Guardians | 2023, 2024 |
| Current Managerial Vacancies in MLB | 5 |
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