Who is Craig Albernaz? Everything to know about the Orioles’ reportedly next manager after Brandon Hyde’s exit

The Baltimore Orioles are reportedly turning a new page. The franchise is in the final stages of hiring Craig Albernaz as its next manager, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The 42-year-old would replace Brandon Scott Hyde, who was dismissed in May during his seventh season with the team.

Albernaz’s potential appointment comes at a crucial moment for Baltimore, a club that soared to 101 wins in 2023 but stumbled to a disappointing 75-87 finish this year.

From Cleveland postseason experience to Baltimore’s dugout: Albernaz brings a winning approach to a team in need of a spark

Albernaz comes with a reputation for leadership, stability, and development. He most recently served as associate manager for the Cleveland Guardians, helping guide the team to back-to-back postseason appearances. Cleveland finished 88-74 in 2024, a record that reflected his influence in nurturing young talent and maintaining consistency, even though they fell short in the first round of the playoffs.

Before Cleveland, he was a bullpen coach and hitting instructor for the San Francisco Giants, where his analytical approach and calm leadership earned respect from players. He also spent years in the Tampa Bay Rays’ farm system, shaping minor league prospects and building a foundation that now aligns with Baltimore’s youth-focused rebuild.

From behind the plate to the dugout, Albernaz’s journey as a former catcher shapes how he manages and connects with players

A Massachusetts native, Albernaz spent nine seasons as a minor league catcher within the Rays and Detroit Tigers organizations, reaching as high as Triple-A.

While he never played in the majors, his time behind the plate gave him a unique perspective on the game — patient, observant, and focused on strategy and communication.Those who know him describe his coaching style as “detailed but human,” blending data-driven decisions with emotional intelligence. If the Orioles finalize his hiring, it would mark his first managerial role in Major League Baseball, a testament to years of preparation, persistence, and earned credibility.

Facing the challenge ahead in restoring Baltimore’s lost momentum after a difficult 2024 season

Brandon Scott Hyde’s firing marked the end of a turbulent chapter for the Orioles. Once named AL Manager of the Year in 2023, Hyde oversaw a meteoric rise that this season fell apart with a 15–28 start. Interim manager Tony Mansolino took over but could not turn the team’s fortunes around. Orioles president Mike Elias later confirmed that while Mansolino was “a real candidate,” the team opted for a new direction.That new direction now appears to point toward Albernaz — a coach known for connecting with players, instilling discipline, and maximizing potential. Baltimore hopes he can restore confidence, spark consistency, and lead the team back into postseason contention.Also read: How Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk is silently dominating the World Series despite his unconventional height and powerful build