Orioles take unexpected gamble on manager to guide their young roster

It can be tough for teams trying to fill a managerial vacancy during the World Series, as Major League Baseball often prefers the news to be on an off day to avoid the games being superseded. Leaks still happen, and on Sunday night, ESPN's Jeff Passan was the first to report that the Baltimore Orioles are hiring Cleveland Guardians' associate manager Craig Albernaz as their next manager.

Considering the Orioles were linked to Albert Pujols in recent days, and former fan favorite Ryan Flaherty, Albernaz is a surprising hire. If you're looking for a quick reason why the job didn't go to Pujols or Flaherty, two of the more popular candidates in this year's hiring cycle, money certainly could have been at the center of those choices.

That's not to discredit Albernaz, who Passan referred to as someone many thought was eventually going to be a Major League manager. Of course, he wasn't exactly at the forefront of other openings across Major League Baseball.

Craig Albernaz hire says everything about how Orioles see their young core

A former catcher and left fielder, Albernaz was a career minor leaguer, spending 8 of his 9 seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays. He started his coaching career in Tampa Bay before making a stop in San Francisco ahead of his time in Cleveland. Passan notes that despite being a finalist for the Guardians' job in 2023, Albernaz still joined the team's coaching staff under Steven Vogt. Vogt has long been considered one of the best player-first managers in all of baseball.

The hiring of Albernaz seems to be a situation where the Orioles are doubling down on the young core they have in place. Albernaz has a reputation for being able to connect with young players. It makes sense for the Orioles to go that route, considering it is likely going to be a majority of their young core tasked with turning the page from a disappointing 2025 season. Not to mention, there are several young pieces on the Orioles' roster who may need to hear a new voice.

If not traded this offseason, Ryan Mountcastle would be at the top of that list. The same can be said for Colton Cowser, Coby Mayo, and, to a lesser extent, Jackson Holliday.

If Albernaz can click in a clubhouse that appeared to be broken last season, then chances are he will find similar success in the way that Tony Mansolino did. Otherwise, we will likely be at this point again in a couple of years.