News Summary
The Baltimore Orioles are on the verge of hiring Craig Albernaz as their new manager, signaling a strategic move to enhance team performance following a challenging season. Albernaz, who has been successful in his coaching roles, primarily with the Cleveland Guardians, is expected to lead a young and promising roster. This appointment comes after the Orioles experienced a difficult season and aims to rekindle their competitive standing in Major League Baseball.
Baltimore, MD — Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles are nearing the completion of a deal to appoint Craig Albernaz as their new manager, marking a significant move as the team looks to rebuild and improve on recent performances.
Key Details of the Appointment
The Orioles’ management is close to finalizing the hiring of Craig Albernaz as the franchise’s next field leader. The confirmation comes from sources familiar with the negotiations, and it was first reported by prominent sports media outlets. Albernaz, who is 42 years old and will turn 43 on Thursday, has garnered attention across MLB for his coaching potential and leadership skills.
Coaching and Managerial Background
Albernaz’s recent coaching experience includes two seasons with the Cleveland Guardians, during which he served on the coaching staff. His prior managerial experience involves leading Single-A teams in the minor leagues—namely the Hudson Valley Renegades in 2017 and the Bowling Green Hot Rods in 2018, both part of the Rays’ minor league system. Although his experiences are mainly within the minors, he has become a sought-after candidate for major league managerial positions in recent years. He was a finalist for MLB openings with the Chicago White Sox and the Miami Marlins last offseason but chose to remain with the Guardians at that time.
Recent Success with Cleveland Guardians
During Albernaz’s coaching tenure, the Guardians achieved notable success, winning the AL Central division titles in both 2023 and 2024. The team finished the 2024 season with a record of 92-69 and advanced to the AL Championship Series. In 2025, they finished 88-74, narrowly missing the postseason after losing in the AL Wild Card Series to the Detroit Tigers.
Playing and Coaching Career Prior to MLB
Before venturing into coaching, Albernaz was a minor league catcher from 2006 to 2014. His playing career included stints within the Rays and Detroit Tigers organizations. Following his playing days, he shifted into coaching, including a role as the bullpen and catching coach for the San Francisco Giants from 2020 to 2023, gaining further experience and recognition.
Focus on the Orioles’ Challenges and Expectations
The Baltimore Orioles face a challenging offseason as they seek to rebound from a difficult 2025 season. The team finished last in the American League East with a record of 75-87. The managerial position became vacant in May 2025 after the firing of Brandon Hyde, following a poor start to the season. Interim manager Tony Mansolino managed the team through the remainder of the year, finishing with a record of 60-59.
Strategic Goals for 2026
The Orioles’ leadership intends for Albernaz to lead an immediate turnaround. The team possesses a promising core of young talent, including players such as Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday. Following back-to-back playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024, there is now an increased focus on returning to postseason contention, especially with the team’s limited pitching depth but hope for key players returning from injury.
Management Changes and MLB Managerial Vacancies
The appointment of Albernaz as Orioles manager reduces the number of open managerial positions across MLB to five: the Padres, Braves, Rockies, Nationals, and Twins. This shift indicates a tightening job market as teams seek experienced leaders to guide their seasons.
Background Context and Future Outlook
This move marks only the second managerial hire by Orioles general manager Mike Elias since his arrival in November 2018. The franchise aims to leverage Albernaz’s coaching background and recent success to energize the team and restore competitive standings in 2026. With a focus on developing young talent and stabilizing pitching, the Orioles are optimistic about their future prospects under new leadership.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
