Orioles manager search begins and insider just revealed their blueprint

The Baltimore Orioles’ managerial opening is like none other in baseball. While they didn’t make the postseason this year and have a roster with some obvious holes, they also have an established young core that helped carry the team to the postseason in 2023 and 2024. 

As we saw this year, that potential doesn’t automatically result in success, as the Orioles struggled out of the gate, which eventually cost manager Brandon Hyde his job. 

Although interim manager Tony Mansolino has done a good job leading the team in the meantime, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal has provided some insight into what the Orioles’ managerial search could look like in the offseason. 

Orioles could lean toward a veteran manager this offseaosn

In a new story for The Athletic (subscription required), Rosenthal categorized the Orioles managerial opening as a “best bet to change,” while taking a peek behind the curtain at what Baltimore could prioritize in its next manager. 

“The Orioles, lacking veteran leadership, would benefit from a strong presence in the dugout, the kind they once had with Buck Showalter. Whether Elias considers Mansolino to be sufficient in that regard — and the right kind of collaborative partner — remains to be seen,” Rosenthal wrote. He also added that Mansolino is a candidate for the opening. 

The Orioles have gone 55-48 under Mansolino despite the fact the team underwent a huge firesale at the trade deadline. And, as Mansolino pointed out earlier this week, they’re only a couple pieces away from being a true World Series contender. 

Trevor Rogers has been one of the best pitchers in baseball and seems poised for a big 2026, while Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday were productive players this year despite taking a step back and there’s no way their injury luck could be as bad as it was this year. 

Mansolino is a familiar face to most of the Orioles’ core thanks to his time on the organization's coaching staff, and it seems like that’s helped him connect with a young clubhouse. But it’s also worth wondering if a more established manager may help the Orioles reach a new level. 

There should be no shortage of options that fit the bill available. They could elect to go after a potentially recently fired manager like Bruce Bochy (Rangers), Bob Melvin (Giants), Oli Marmol (Cardinals), AJ Hinch (Tigers), or Carlos Mendoza (Mets). All of those managers would come with their own set of red flags, but they have proven that they can help lead winning MLB teams. 

There’s also some other veteran options out there like former Marlins manager Skip Schumaker (who is currently a senior advisor with the Rangers), former Cubs manager David Ross, or MLB network personality Mark DeRosa who will manage Team USA in the World Baseball World Classic. 

Every year there are plenty of young coaches who enter the baseball zeitgeist when they interview for managerial openings, but it seems like the Orioles are planning to go in a different direction when it comes to their opening.

More Orioles News from Bird Watcher