Breaking: The Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a deal to hire Craig Albernaz as manager, sources tell Jeff Pasan. Albernaz, 42, was previously associate manager with the Cleveland Guardians.
The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant move that could shape the future of their organization for years to come. According to multiple sources, including Jeff Passan, the Orioles are finalizing a deal to hire Craig Albernaz as their next manager. This decision marks an important new chapter for a franchise that has seen both promise and heartbreak in recent seasons, as the Orioles continue to build around a young, talented core with championship aspirations. Albernaz, 42, has been serving as the associate manager with the Cleveland Guardians, where he earned a strong reputation for his leadership, analytical approach, and ability to connect with players of all backgrounds. His impending arrival in Baltimore signals the Orioles’ desire to blend modern baseball strategy with a strong clubhouse culture — a balance the organization has been seeking since parting ways with their previous managerial regime.
Craig Albernaz’s journey to this point is one of persistence, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the game from the ground up. A former minor league catcher who played in the Tampa Bay Rays system, Albernaz never made it to the major leagues as a player but quickly transitioned into coaching after retirement. He was recognized early for his sharp baseball mind, communication skills, and ability to analyze in-game situations. Over the years, he climbed the coaching ranks within the Rays organization before moving on to the Guardians, where he became one of the most respected figures on Terry Francona’s staff. In Cleveland, Albernaz played a key role in player development and game management, helping young players grow while also earning praise from veterans for his attention to detail and steady leadership style.
For the Orioles, this hiring comes at a critical juncture. The team has made tremendous strides in recent years, developing one of baseball’s most promising young rosters. With stars like Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Grayson Rodriguez forming the foundation of a bright future, Baltimore has shown that its rebuild has turned the corner. The club’s breakout 2023 season, in which they shocked the league with over 100 wins and captured the AL East crown, proved they can compete with the best. However, their abrupt playoff exit left lingering questions about experience, game management, and consistency in high-pressure situations. Bringing in Albernaz suggests that the Orioles want a manager who can guide a young roster through the mental and tactical challenges that come with contending for a championship.
Albernaz is known for his modern approach to baseball — one that blends traditional instincts with a deep appreciation for analytics. During his time in Cleveland, he was instrumental in implementing data-driven game plans and working closely with the front office to align in-game strategies with long-term development goals. This experience makes him an ideal fit for the Orioles, who have been one of the most forward-thinking organizations in terms of player analytics, scouting, and player performance tracking. General Manager Mike Elias has built Baltimore’s success around these principles, and Albernaz’s philosophy appears to align perfectly with the organization’s direction.
Another key reason the Orioles were drawn to Albernaz is his communication skills and his ability to foster a cohesive team culture. Colleagues describe him as approachable, motivating, and deeply invested in his players’ growth. In Cleveland, he earned a reputation for bridging the gap between players and management, making sure everyone understood their role and the team’s vision. In a sport where egos, personalities, and expectations can clash, Albernaz’s calm demeanor and empathetic leadership style are invaluable. Baltimore’s clubhouse, filled with emerging stars still learning the demands of a 162-game season, will likely benefit from that steadying presence.
For Orioles fans, Albernaz’s hire represents both a fresh start and a continuation of the progress the franchise has made under Elias. The front office clearly sees him as a manager who can sustain the team’s momentum while also helping it evolve. His emphasis on preparation, adaptability, and teamwork should complement the Orioles’ existing strengths. While some fans may have hoped for a more high-profile name, Albernaz’s reputation within baseball circles is that of a rising star in the managerial world — someone who has patiently earned his opportunity and is ready to make his mark.
Transitioning from an associate role to a managerial position is no small step, but those who have worked with Albernaz say he has long been ready for this challenge. He’s been involved in every aspect of game planning, from bullpen management to lineup construction, and his strategic mind has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s most successful modern managers. Former players and coaches have praised his ability to adjust mid-game, his willingness to make bold decisions, and his knack for reading the flow of a contest — qualities that are essential for a team with postseason ambitions.
The Orioles’ decision to finalize a deal with Albernaz also reflects the growing influence of younger managers across Major League Baseball. At 42, he joins a new wave of leaders who understand both the human and analytical sides of the game. Organizations are increasingly turning to managers who can communicate with players through a shared language of data, performance metrics, and personal connection — and Albernaz fits that mold perfectly. His experience working under Terry Francona, one of the most respected and successful managers in modern baseball, has also given him invaluable insight into how to balance innovation with tradition.
Baltimore’s front office is expected to make the hiring official in the coming days, with a formal announcement and press conference likely to follow. When that happens, Albernaz will face the immediate task of assembling his coaching staff, building relationships with the Orioles’ young core, and setting the tone for the upcoming season. Expectations will be high — not just to compete, but to take the next step toward a deep postseason run. Fans in Baltimore, who have endured years of rebuilding, are eager for the team to capitalize on its current window of opportunity.
The Orioles’ decision to entrust Craig Albernaz with the managerial role is ultimately a bet on leadership, innovation, and alignment. It shows confidence not just in his baseball mind, but in his ability to carry forward the organization’s vision of sustainable success. The young players who form the heart of the team — Rutschman, Henderson, Rodriguez, and others — will now have a manager who understands how to nurture talent, build confidence, and push for excellence.
As the baseball world reacts to this move, there’s a sense that the Orioles may have found the perfect fit for this stage of their journey. Albernaz’s combination of experience, modern thinking, and emotional intelligence positions him well to handle the pressures and expectations that come with managing a team on the rise. If he succeeds in translating his philosophy from Cleveland to Baltimore, the Orioles could be entering an era defined by stability, competitiveness, and renewed belief.
For Craig Albernaz, this opportunity represents the culmination of years of hard work, learning, and perseverance. For the Orioles, it’s a calculated and hopeful step toward realizing their full potential. As the ink dries on the contract and preparations begin for the next season, Baltimore fans can look forward to seeing a fresh voice in the dugout — one determined to guide their beloved team to new heights. The next chapter of Orioles baseball is about to begin, and with Albernaz at the helm, it promises to be an exciting one.
