Baltimore Orioles: Players who could manage in the future

By the end of the 2018 season, the Baltimore Orioles will need to make a decision about their manager.

Buck Showalter‘s contract with the Baltimore Orioles will be over as soon as the 2018 season comes to a close. If he is not extended, the team will need to conduct a search.

And, if the search is anything like those of other teams, it will include interviewing and possibly hiring players who want to take over the job of managing the clubhouse.

What Orioles players, both current and former, would be the best at that job?

The Orioles are not new to giving former players the managerial role. Cal Ripken, Frank Robinson, and Davey Johnson. But, two of the most successful managers to run the Orioles clubhouse did not make it out of the minor leagues: Showalter and Earl Weaver.

MLB managers who played in The Show

Several teams have managers who were once players. Alex Cora played for the Boston Red Sox. Paul Molitor played for 21 years and now manages the Minnesota Twins. The 2017 World Series managers, A.J. Hinch and Dave Roberts, both played for several seasons in the MLB. And, before taking over as the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, Gabe Kapler looked good playing in the outfield. And this is just a short list of players-turned-manager.

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A solid communicator with a respected voice

Of the current players on the Orioles squad, the most likely player to become a manager would be Adam Jones. He is liked by teammates and by players from opposing teams, this is evident by his appearances in All-Star Games and by his inclusion on the USA roster of the World Baseball Classic. His voice on racial issues has made him a powerful and respected part of the MLB community, too. He also understands how to succeed in a variety of positions, as he was originally signed by the Seattle Mariners to be a pitcher. He is a good communicator, which is a quality that managers need.

Made a comeback and can teach

J.J. Hardy is another Orioles player (although a former one), who could become a manager someday. One quality that managers need to have is the ability to improve themselves and others. Hardy did not have the easiest path to success in the MLB as he struggled mightily with the Milwaukee Brewers. But, he worked hard when he was traded to the O’s and became an award-winning player. Then, when Tim Beckham arrived at the trade deadline in 2017, Hardy took time to help the young shortstop improve his defensive game. Although it seems that catchers end up taking over as managers, there is nothing against a shortstop doing the job.

One of the best hitters in the game

Another former Orioles player who could be a manager in the future is Nelson Cruz. He only had one year with the O’s, but it was a good one. As a DH, he knows what to do against the toughest pitchers. He’s respected by teammates and opposing teams, too. The fact that he speaks English and Spanish would make him an asset. Cruz is also strong under pressure.

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Of course, any player who wants to be a manager has to understand that the role pays significantly less than player contracts do. They also have to understand that the pressure is different, it’s not about personal performance, but about ensuring the choices the manager makes result in wins.