The Baltimore Orioles have appointed Craig Albernaz as their 21st manager, a significant leadership change aimed at revitalizing the franchise after a disappointing 2025 season. Albernaz, known for his instrumental role in building winning cultures and developing young talent with the Cleveland Guardians and San Francisco Giants, steps into the role with high expectations to guide Baltimore’s promising core back to the postseason and a World Series championship.
Baltimore’s quest for a new skipper has concluded with the official announcement that Craig Albernaz will take the helm as the 21st manager in Baltimore Orioles history. The news, confirmed on October 27, 2025, positions Albernaz, who turns 43 this week, at the forefront of an organization brimming with young talent and eager for an immediate return to contention.
Mike Elias, the Orioles’ President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, expressed strong confidence in the hire. “We are elated to welcome Craig Albernaz as the next manager of the Orioles and our leader on the field,” Elias stated. He emphasized Albernaz’s “exemplary career across multiple successful organizations” and the “tremendous amount of experience, knowledge, and talent” he brings. Elias believes Albernaz is “the right person at the right time to elevate our baseball operations and guide our team back to the playoffs and a World Series championship.”
Albernaz himself conveyed his excitement and gratitude. “I am deeply honored and humbled to join the storied Baltimore Orioles organization,” he said, adding, “This is a tremendous honor, and I’m grateful to Mike Elias and the entire Orioles team for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading this talented club.”
A Proven Path to Success: Albernaz’s Coaching Trajectory
Despite this being his first major league managerial assignment, Albernaz arrives in Baltimore with a reputation as a highly sought-after coaching talent. His journey through professional baseball includes:
- Cleveland Guardians (2024-2025): Served as bench coach in 2024 before being promoted to associate manager in 2025. During his tenure, the Guardians secured back-to-back American League Central Division titles. Notably, in 2025, Cleveland overcame a remarkable 15.5-game deficit on July 8 to win the division on the final day, a comeback reported by the Elias Sports Bureau as the largest in MLB history to win a division or league title since 1969.
- San Francisco Giants (2020-2023): Held the crucial role of bullpen and catching coach. Under his guidance, the Giants’ relief unit posted a stellar 2.97 ERA in 2021, leading the majors, and a 3.92 ERA in 2023. Giants catchers also contributed to a combined pitching staff ERA of 3.80 from 2020-2023, ranking among the best in the National League.
- Tampa Bay Rays Minor League System (2015-2019): Albernaz honed his managerial skills, leading the Single-A Short-Season Hudson Valley Renegades to a New York-Penn League Championship in 2017 and the Single-A Bowling Green Hot Rods to a Midwest League Championship in 2018. The Hot Rods won a minor league best 90 games under his leadership, earning him the Midwest League Manager of the Year award. His full minor league managerial record of 145-83 (.636) showcases his ability to foster winning environments at developmental levels, a track record available on `Baseball-Reference` Baseball-Reference.
Albernaz was previously a finalist for managerial openings with the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins last offseason but chose to remain with the Guardians. This decision highlights his commitment to finding the right fit, which he now clearly believes he has found in Baltimore.
Baltimore’s Turnaround Mission and a Young Core
The Orioles’ 2025 season represented a sharp decline after two impressive playoff campaigns. Following American League East Division title in 2023 with 101 wins and another playoff berth in 2024 with 91 victories, the team dramatically underperformed, finishing 75-87 and in last place in the division. Former AL Manager of the Year Brandon Hyde was dismissed on May 17 after a 15-28 start, with interim manager Tony Mansolino leading the team to a respectable 60-59 record afterward.
Albernaz now inherits a team poised for an immediate rebound, boasting one of baseball’s most exciting young cores. Key players expected to lead the charge in 2026 include:
- Gunnar Henderson (Shortstop)
- Adley Rutschman (Catcher)
- Jackson Holliday (Infielder)
- Jordan Westburg (Infielder)
- Colton Cowser (Outfielder)
Albernaz’s background as a minor league catcher from 2006-2014—rising as high as Triple-A—and his extensive coaching experience with young players are seen as ideal attributes for nurturing this talented roster. His ability to connect with and develop burgeoning stars, demonstrated throughout his career, aligns perfectly with the Orioles’ vision for sustainable success.
The formal introduction of Craig Albernaz will occur at a press conference at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Tuesday, November 4, at 11 a.m., an event that will undoubtedly generate significant anticipation among the Orioles faithful. This hiring marks a new chapter for Baltimore baseball, with a strategic leader chosen to maximize the potential of their promising future.
