News Summary
The Baltimore Orioles are set to finalize a deal hiring Craig Albernaz as their new manager following a disappointing season. Albernaz, known for his success with the Cleveland Guardians, is expected to bring fresh perspectives as the Orioles aim for postseason contention. His appointment comes after the dismissal of previous manager Brandon Hyde, and the team hopes his leadership will help harness the potential of its young core. With challenges ahead, including pitching depth, Albernaz is tasked with revitalizing the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
Baltimore – The Baltimore Orioles are on the verge of finalizing a deal that will introduce Craig Albernaz as their new manager. This decision comes as the team seeks a fresh start following a disappointing 2025 season where they finished last in the American League East with a record of 75-87. The hiring of Albernaz is expected to bring a new perspective to the Orioles, who are eager to turnaround their performance and aim for postseason contention.
The confirmation of Albernaz’s imminent hiring was based on a source familiar with the situation. At the age of 42, turning 43 this Thursday, Albernaz has made a name for himself in the coaching ranks, especially during his recent tenure with the Cleveland Guardians. In both 2023 and 2024, he played a crucial role in guiding the Guardians to the AL Central title, showcasing his ability to lead teams effectively in competitive environments.
Albernaz’s coaching credentials include two seasons on the Cleveland Guardians’ coaching staff, where his leadership contributed to the team’s impressive performance, culminating in a record of 92-69 in 2024, followed by an AL Championship Series appearance. In 2025, the Guardians maintained a solid performance with an 88-74 record, although they faced an early exit in the AL Wild Card Series against the Tigers.
Prior to making a name as a coach, Albernaz spent eight years as a minor league catcher, playing for the Tampa Bay Rays and Detroit Tigers organizations. His journey in baseball management began with him managing teams in the Rays Minor League system, specifically Single-A Hudson Valley in 2017 and Single-A Bowling Green in 2018. His influential coaching style has made him a sought-after candidate, where he was a finalist for managerial positions with other major league teams like the White Sox and Marlins last offseason; however, he opted to stay with the Guardians.
Albernaz’s new role with the Orioles replaces Brandon Hyde, who was dismissed as manager in May 2025 after the team struggled early in the season. Interim manager Tony Mansolino concluded the season with a 60-59 record, but the need for a permanent solution became apparent. This marks Albernaz as the second manager hired by Orioles general manager Mike Elias since he assumed the role in November 2018.
The Orioles franchise is under considerable pressure to return to the playoffs after achieving back-to-back postseason appearances in 2023 and 2024. Previous managerial attempts did not yield playoff victories, leading to Hyde’s departure. With a promising core of young players, including Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday, the Orioles believe that Albernaz possesses the expertise necessary to harness their potential and elevate the team’s performance in the upcoming 2026 season.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Albernaz’s arrival, the organization faces hurdles, particularly in pitching depth. However, some players who have been sidelined due to injury are expected to return, potentially bolstering the team’s roster. This presents Albernaz with both challenges and opportunities to create a competitive edge within the division.
With Albernaz’s hiring, the number of managerial vacancies across Major League Baseball has decreased to five, with remaining openings including the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals, and Minnesota Twins. The Orioles hope that under Albernaz’s leadership, they can soon join the ranks of postseason contenders once again.
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
