Orioles Hire Assistant GM and Draft Director in Front-Office Shakeup

The Baltimore Orioles are making some big moves behind the scenes. They’re reshaping their front office to boost player development, scouting, and baseball operations.

Six key executives just got promotions or new roles. The franchise looks like it’s aiming for long-term success, both on and off the field.

They’re streamlining scouting and strengthening managerial support. These changes show a strategic vision led by president of baseball operations Mike Elias.

Front Office Restructuring: A New Direction

In pro sports, a team’s performance often hinges on what happens off the field just as much as on it. The Orioles’ latest executive shuffle really highlights the importance of internal structure.

Matt Blood’s Expanded Role

Matt Blood used to be vice president of player development and domestic scouting. Now, he’s taking on the title of vice president of player and staff development.

He’ll focus on supporting new manager Craig Albernaz, plus the coaching staff, sports medicine team, and performance departments. This shift should help bridge the gap between coaching and player development, making communication smoother across the board.

Strengthening Baseball Operations

Getting specialized leaders in the right spots can make all the difference. The Orioles just promoted Brendan Fournie to assistant general manager.

He joins Sig Mejdal and Eve Rosenbaum under Elias’ leadership. Fournie came over from the Houston Astros in 2021 and has already shown he gets modern baseball analytics and operations.

Fournie’s Responsibilities

In his new position, Fournie will oversee:

• Baseball economics and budgeting
• Advanced scouting strategies
• Salary arbitration management
• Roster and transaction oversight

Even with this promotion, the Orioles still don’t have a general manager. That spot’s been open since Elias moved up last spring, and honestly, there’s no sign of it being filled soon.

Revamping Scouting Leadership

Finding and developing talent is crucial for any team. The Orioles are handing domestic scouting leadership to someone new.

Will Robertson’s Rise

Will Robertson steps up as vice president of domestic scouting, taking over draft duties from Blood. Robertson’s story stands out—he was a 30th-round draft pick for Baltimore in 2017.

After retiring as a player in 2020, he climbed the front office ranks quickly. With his firsthand player perspective, he’ll probably bring something fresh to draft evaluations.

Promotions within the Scouting Team

The Orioles also recognized three scouting managers with new titles:

• Chad Tatum – Assistant Director of Domestic Scouting
• Hendrik Herz – Assistant Director of Draft Operations
• Kevin Carter – Assistant Director of Pro Scouting

This layered approach should help the Orioles dig deeper in their evaluations and widen their search for promising talent.

Implications for the Future

With a stronger infrastructure, the Orioles look ready to build on their recent momentum. Enhanced coordination between coaching, medical staff, and development specialists could mean better player health and quicker skill growth.

Stronger draft results might follow. Smart moves in baseball economics and roster management should help the team compete while staying mindful of resources.

Sure, fans focus on the action at Camden Yards. But these behind-the-scenes changes might matter just as much for building a team that sticks around at the top.

Baltimore seems willing to adapt and shake up its leadership structure. That’s a good sign for both immediate wins and long-term success, if you ask me.

Source: MASNSports.com, The Baltimore Sun

 
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