The Baltimore Orioles have officially appointed Craig Albernaz as their new manager, marking a significant shift in leadership for the team. The announcement was made on October 17, 2023, during a press conference that showcased Albernaz’s ambitions to steer the franchise towards success. Although he has no prior experience managing in the Major Leagues, the Orioles are optimistic about his potential to bring stability and a winning culture.
Albernaz, 43, was presented with a personalized No. 55 jersey, flanked by principal owner David Rubenstein and president of baseball operations Mike Elias. Surrounded by family and friends, including Stephen Vogt, manager of the Cleveland Guardians and Albernaz’s former colleague, the new manager expressed his eagerness to dive into the role. “It became clear that I wanted to be in Baltimore, be a Baltimore Oriole, and be in this organization,” Albernaz stated.
The Orioles are coming off a 75-87 season, finishing last in the American League East. Elias described the search process for a new manager as thorough, aiming to find someone who could provide the necessary stability. Albernaz is viewed as a promising candidate who can help the team rebound and compete for playoff spots in the near future. “We feel that he’s ready to hit the ground running,” Elias said. “We have a team that has a really good shot to bounce back next year.”
Albernaz’s coaching background includes two years as an assistant to Vogt in Cleveland, along with three years on the San Francisco Giants’ major league staff and five years in the Tampa Bay Rays’ minor league system. His experience has equipped him with a strong understanding of player development, which aligns with the Orioles’ focus on nurturing young talent.
In his approach, Albernaz embraces analytics while emphasizing the importance of personal connections with players. “It’s equipping them with the right information at the right time that’s digestible,” he explained, highlighting the balance between data-driven strategies and human relationships in baseball. His philosophy aims to create an environment where players can thrive and contribute to the team’s success.
Vogt, who praised Albernaz’s work ethic and preparation, remarked, “He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever been around. He’s going to absolutely crush it and bring people together.” Albernaz’s reputation for building strong relationships and fostering a positive culture is seen as a vital asset for the Orioles as they look to reshape their identity.
In addition to the managerial change, the Orioles are actively pursuing roster improvements for the upcoming season. Just hours after Albernaz’s introduction, the team traded for reliever Andrew Kittredge, signaling their commitment to bolstering the roster ahead of the 2026 season. Rubenstein expressed confidence in the team’s potential, noting that a healthy squad, combined with a strong managerial presence, positions the Orioles for a successful turnaround. “Remember, Toronto was in last place the year before they went to the World Series,” he said, suggesting that dramatic improvements are possible.
As Albernaz steps into this pivotal role, all eyes will be on how he navigates the challenges ahead and leads the Orioles back to a competitive standing in Major League Baseball.
