Moments after Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias gave manager Craig Albernaz his new Orioles jersey and hat at an introductory news conference, Albernaz spoke to the Baltimore faithful for the very first time. He said it was a dream come true to become the manager of “a historic franchise such as the Baltimore Orioles.”
Albernaz’s authenticity shined through during the presser, showing the type of manager the Orioles are getting and why there’s optimism he’s the right manager for a bounce-back season.
“I’m just going to be me,” Albernaz said. “You have to be a truth-teller. You have to be authentic toward yourself. And that’s something I pride myself on.”
Albernaz, who most recently spent two seasons on the Cleveland Guardians’ coaching staff, was a finalist for managerial openings with the White Sox and Marlins last offseason but withdrew from consideration for both and elected for another year in Cleveland.
The Massachusetts native said because of how big a decision becoming a manager is, he needed to ensure he was fully ready and committed. That’s the case now, which is why the decision to take the job when offered was easy this time around.
Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt, on hand to support Albernaz, was as thrilled for him as anyone could be. Vogt mentioned how much he leaned on Albernaz in 2024, Vogt’s first season as a skipper. Vogt said Albernaz will thrive in the role.
“Craig’s earned this and more,” Vogt said. “Just so ecstatic for him, he’s going to absolutely crush it. … He’s obviously been born to do this.”
Albernaz, who said he never thought he’d ever become a big league manager, isn’t necessarily going to bring the same style of play from Cleveland to Baltimore. Rather, it’s player-dependent, something he learned during his time in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.
Albernaz mentioned how the best managers adapt to the players, not the other way around. He and his coaching staff — which Elias said Albernaz will have significant input in putting together — are going to hone in on his players’ strengths.
Albernaz wants a diverse offense. When players are struggling at the plate, they still need to find ways to keep the line moving and remain productive offensively, according to the new manager. Ultimately, they’ll need to “do the little things right.”
Albernaz is going to welcome all the analytics he can get but knows that’s only “a piece of the puzzle.” He’ll receive feedback from players, with the key being to not overload them. He expressed multiple times how talented the club he’s inheriting is.
Elias, who raved about Albernaz’s reputation regarding player development, says Albernaz is ready to “hit the ground running” in the effort to lead the team back to the playoffs and hopefully the World Series.
The decision that landed on Albernaz as the newest Baltimore skipper was made quickly.
“Sitting down with Craig and hearing the feedback that we got from the many other people that interviewed him, it was clear this was just a really good fit all around,” Elias said. “I was very struck by him once we got done spending the first day with him.”
Elias wasn’t the only decision-maker that was impressed. Owner David Rubenstein mentioned the Orioles had heard from others in the game how fortunate they’d be to snag Albernaz.
“When we talked to him we realized why everybody said that,” said Rubenstein, who also made sure to mention that the Blue Jays just went from last place to American League pennant winner as the Orioles hope to do. “We were thrilled when he agreed to accept the offer.”
Albernaz never reached the big leagues as a player, but he has risen from rookie-level minor league coach to major league manager in a little more than a decade, finding success at every stop.
Most recently, Albernaz helped Vogt guide the Guardians to two straight division titles. He is aiming for a personal third straight with the Orioles in 2026.
“We’re going to bring a very exciting brand of baseball,” Albernaz said. “It’s going to be a great bounce-back year for this group.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Baltimore Orioles