Orioles Finalize Hiring Craig Albernaz as Next Manager

The Baltimore Orioles are shaking things up at the top. They’re close to bringing in Craig Albernaz as their new manager.

After a bumpy 2024 season that ended with Brandon Hyde‘s firing and more struggles under interim leadership, Baltimore hopes to find its spark again. Albernaz, a respected baseball instructor with a knack for player development, steps into his first Major League managerial gig. He’s got the job of steering the Orioles back into the mix.

Who Is Craig Albernaz?

Albernaz is 42 and has built a pretty solid résumé in baseball, even though this will be his first shot as a head manager. People know him for his modern take on strategy and talent development. Most recently, he worked as the associate manager for the Cleveland Guardians.

Experience With the Cleveland Guardians

In Cleveland, Albernaz helped the Guardians reach the playoffs two years in a row. The team finished 2024 with an 88-74 record but got knocked out in the wild card round.

He did more than just chase numbers. Albernaz earned a reputation for building unity in the clubhouse and keeping things steady during the long grind of the season.

Prior Coaching Roles

Before joining the Guardians, Albernaz worked with the San Francisco Giants. He took on several roles, including bullpen coach and hitting instructor.

That kind of versatility should help Baltimore as they try to boost both their pitching and offense.

From Player to Leader

Albernaz started out as a minor-league catcher. He made it as far as Triple-A with the Tampa Bay Rays but never got the call to the majors.

His playing career gave him a firsthand feel for the grind and sacrifice of pro baseball. Players tend to respect that in a manager.

The Orioles’ Struggles in 2024

Baltimore decided to move on from Brandon Hyde after a rough start. The team opened 15-28, a far cry from their success in recent seasons.

Hyde had led them to 101 wins in 2023 and 91 the year after, but the sudden drop-off was just too much for the front office to ignore.

Season Under Tony Mansolino

Tony Mansolino took over as interim manager and tried to steady things, but the Orioles kept sliding. They finished 75-87, their worst record since 2021.

Injuries, shaky pitching, and an offense that couldn’t get going all played a part in the tough year.

Why Albernaz Could Be the Right Fit

The Orioles think Albernaz’s mix of analytics and player-first leadership can help restore confidence and performance. He seems to know how to connect with players, which might be exactly what this team needs right now.

Potential Impact on the 2025 Season

With Albernaz at the helm, Baltimore’s aiming for a reset and a real shot at a deep playoff run for the first time in ages. Expect more focus on fundamentals, situational hitting, and a bullpen approach that plays the matchups.

Key Points About Craig Albernaz’s Hiring

• First MLB managerial role for Albernaz.
• Former associate manager with the Cleveland Guardians (two consecutive postseason appearances).
• Previous coaching work with the San Francisco Giants, focusing on bullpen and offense.
• Past playing experience at the Triple-A level in the Tampa Bay Rays system.
• Tasked with reviving Baltimore after a disappointing 2024 season (75-87 record).

Conclusion

The Orioles have seen wild swings between success and disappointment lately.

Now, with Craig Albernaz stepping in, it feels like a real shift.

They’re hoping his coaching experience and player-first approach will spark something new.

There are still plenty of hurdles, but maybe this is the kind of leadership Baltimore’s been missing.

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Here is the source article for this story: Orioles reportedly finalizing hire of Guardians assistant Craig Albernaz as their next manager