The Baltimore Orioles have found their next manager.
Several reporters have stated that the Orioles are recruiting Craig Albernaz as their next manager. Albernaz was most recently the Cleveland Guardians’ associate manager and was seen as a “widely sought-after candidate” by teams looking for a manager.
The 42-year-old replaces interim manager Tony Mansolino, who was appointed after Brandon Hyde was fired 43 games into the season.
Albernaz was a professional catcher who played with the Tampa Bay Rays from 2006 to 2013, however he never advanced above Triple-A.
The Rays hired him as a coach in 2015. Albernaz worked his way up the Rays’ coaching ranks before joining the San Francisco Giants as bullpen and catching coach for the 2020 season.
Albernaz was a finalist for the Guardians’ open managing position in 2023, but the organization chose Stephen Vogt. Albernaz was hired as Cleveland’s bench coach that year, and he was later promoted to associate manager before the 2025 season began. Albernaz was also on the shortlist for the Miami Marlins’ opening day last season.
The Orioles’ job was regarded as one of the top managing opportunities in the majors.
Baltimore reached the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, but a weak start to the 2025 season made it tough for the squad to compete for a third consecutive postseason appearance. Before signing Albernaz, the Orioles considered at least one other high-profile name.
Albernaz inherits a group that includes shortstop Gunnar Henderson, catcher Adley Rutschman, and second baseman Jackson Holliday.