News Summary
The Baltimore Orioles are set to appoint Craig Albernaz as their new team manager, replacing Brandon Hyde after a disappointing season. Albernaz, currently 42, brings valuable coaching experience from the Cleveland Guardians and has a history of success in the minor leagues. The team aims for a swift turnaround with a young roster expected to play key roles. Albernaz’s appointment marks a significant shift in the franchise’s leadership as they strive for better performance in the upcoming Major League Baseball season.
Baltimore
The Baltimore Orioles are nearing the completion of a deal to appoint Craig Albernaz as their new team manager, marking a significant shift in the franchise’s leadership as they seek to improve their performance in the upcoming Major League Baseball season.
Breakdown of the Hiring
The news of Albernaz’s impending hiring was confirmed by a source familiar with the situation and first disclosed by a prominent sports journalist. Albernaz, who is currently 42 years old and will turn 43 this Thursday, is expected to bring his coaching experience to Baltimore after serving on the Cleveland Guardians’ coaching staff for the past two seasons.
Coaching and Managerial Background
Albernaz’s managerial experience includes leading the Single-A teams Hudson Valley in 2017 and Bowling Green in 2018, both within the Tampa Bay Rays’ Minor League system. Despite limited exposure at the highest levels of the game, Albernaz has repeatedly been considered a top candidate for several MLB managerial openings in recent years.
He was a finalist for managerial positions with the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins last offseason but chose to remain with the Guardians, where he contributed to their successful seasons, including winning the American League Central division title in both 2023 and 2024.
In the 2024 season, the Guardians finished with a record of 92-69, advancing to the American League Championship Series (ALCS), while in 2025, they recorded 88 wins but were eliminated early in the postseason, losing in the AL Wild Card Series to the Detroit Tigers.
Playing and Coaching Career
Prior to his coaching career, Albernaz spent several years as a minor league catcher, playing from 2006 to 2014 for both the Tampa Bay Rays’ and Detroit Tigers’ organizations. Transitioning to coaching roles, he served as the bullpen and catching coach for the San Francisco Giants from 2020 to 2023, gaining valuable Major League experience and developing a reputation as a promising managerial prospect.
Context for Orioles’ Next Chapter
The Orioles’ decision to move forward with Albernaz comes after a disappointing 2025 season, where the team finished last in the American League East with a record of 75-87. The team fired manager Brandon Hyde in May 2025 following a slow start and appointed Tony Mansolino as interim manager for the remainder of the season, finishing with a record of 60-59 under his leadership.
The franchise’s management, led by general manager Mike Elias, has now appointed Albernaz as the second manager since taking over in November 2018. The team is eager to turn around its fortunes swiftly, especially with a core group of young players, including Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday, who are expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s re-emergence.
Team Objectives and Future Outlook
The Orioles are under pressure to regain postseason competitiveness following back-to-back playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024. The new manager will inherit a team with limited pitching depth but promising talent, some of whom are returning from injury. The goal is to make a significant improvement in the standings and advance deeper into the playoffs in 2026.
Meanwhile, the recent managerial vacancies across Major League Baseball have decreased to five, including other teams such as the Padres, Braves, Rockies, Nationals, and Twins, which are still in the process of filling their managerial roles.
In summary, Albernaz’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Orioles, with the club aiming for a quick turnaround and renewed success in the upcoming Major League Baseball season.
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Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
