Braves coaching staff update quietly includes new role for former Orioles manager

Once Craig Albernaz was hired to be the next manager of the Baltimore Orioles, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Tony Mansolino would not be back with the organization. Mansolino replaced Brandon Hyde after his hiring in May and gained the respect of Baltimore's clubhouse. That said, it would have been an awkward marriage had he remained on the team's coaching staff after not landing the permanent job. The good news for Mansolino is that he didn't have to wait long for his next job.

The Braves revealed part of their 2026 coaching staff under first-year manager Walt Weiss, and Mansolino will be serving as the team's third base coach. Of note, Mansolino served as the Orioles' third base coach for four seasons before finishing the 2025 season as the team's interim manager.

Tony Mansolino did a commendable job with the Baltimore Orioles, and likely will be a manager again in the future

There's no question that Mansolino wasn't dealt the best of cards in what was his first opportunity to manage a Major League team. Beyond the firing of his boss, the Orioles' roster was littered with injuries and regression. It set the stage for the sell-off at the MLB trade deadline, which gutted the roster of any veteran players who were set to become free agents.

Despite those circumstances, Mansolino kept the Orioles above .500 during his interim, finishing with a record of 60-59. Under different circumstances, Mansolino would have been a clear candidate to remain in place as the team's manager. However, this has been an Orioles team that has grown complacent over the last calendar year. It would have been a tough sell for the fanbase, considering that opting for the status quo is what set the stage for the team's disappointment in 2026.

Assuming Mansolino has a healthy run with the Braves, he should be a candidate for managerial openings in the years ahead. Next season could be an intriguing hiring cycle, with the New York Mets, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros all among the teams that could have an opening.