Reports suggest that the Baltimore Orioles are finalizing the hiring of Craig Albernaz as their new skipper, as indicated by information from ESPN.
Albernaz, aged 42, most recently held the position of associate manager for the Cleveland Guardians, working alongside Stephen Vogt during the past season. Prior to this role, Albernaz served as the major league field coordinator for the Guardians. His earlier experiences include serving as a bullpen coach for the San Francisco Giants, as well as coaching and managing roles at various levels within the Tampa Bay Rays’ developmental system. As a player, the Massachusetts-born Albernaz spent portions of nine seasons in the minor leagues as a catcher within the Rays and Detroit Tigers organizations, reaching the Triple-A level.
Albernaz is set to take over an Orioles team that boasts a solid foundation of position players, all within their twenties. Despite possessing ample talent, the Orioles concluded the season with a 75-87 record, positioning them at the bottom of the American League East. Coming off trips to the playoffs in both 2023 and 2024, expectations were considerably elevated. These unfulfilled expectations led to the termination of Brandon Hyde’s managerial role in mid-May. Interim manager Tony Masolino achieved a winning record for the remainder of the season (60-59), but ultimately, head decision-maker Mike Elias chose to pursue alternative leadership for the dugout.
Therefore, the 2026 season places substantial pressure on both Elias and Albernaz to steer the Orioles back into contention and secure a playoff series victory for the first time in over a decade. Challenges persist, including Elias’ cautious approach to trading prospects for immediate roster enhancements and the limited payroll investment from ownership.
With the Orioles nearing the appointment of Albernaz, the list of teams seeking managerial replacements for 2026 has narrowed to five: the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals, and Minnesota Twins.
