{"id":108910,"date":"2025-10-28T01:14:28","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T05:14:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=108910"},"modified":"2025-10-28T01:14:28","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T05:14:28","slug":"meeting-craig-albernaz-new-orioles-manager","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/10\/28\/meeting-craig-albernaz-new-orioles-manager\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Craig Albernaz, the New Orioles Manager"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Baltimore Orioles hired Cleveland Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz as the next manager of the team. The organization announced the signing\u00a0on Monday afternoon.<\/p>\n<p>Baltimore team president and General Manager Mike Elias told <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/mlb\/story\/_\/id\/46740054\/orioles-tab-craig-albernaz-next-manager-sources-say\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ESPN<\/a> in a statement that the team was &#8220;elated&#8221; to welcome the coach. He also said that Albernaz would bring a &#8221; tremendous amount of experience, knowledge, and talent to our organization and to this new challenge.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The Orioles previously <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/10\/16\/orioles-considering-albert-pujols-new-manager\/\" target=\"_self\">considered<\/a> legendary first baseman <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/p\/pujolal01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-28_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Albert Pujols<\/a> for the position earlier this month. There had also been <a  href=\"https:\/\/birdswatcher.com\/orioles-suddenly-shift-direction-managerial-hunt-albert-pujols-in-limbo-scott-servais\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">talk<\/a> that the team sought to interview former Seattle Mariners manager <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/managers\/servasc01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Scott Servais<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_87835\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-87835\" style=\"width: 833px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-87835\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_23407998_168400885_lowres-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"833\" height=\"555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_23407998_168400885_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_23407998_168400885_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_23407998_168400885_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_23407998_168400885_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_23407998_168400885_lowres-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_23407998_168400885_lowres-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2024\/10\/USATSI_23407998_168400885_lowres-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-87835\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">May 28, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz (55) calls in a play in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Who is Craig Albernaz?<\/h2>\n<p>Albernaz was a minor league player for the Tampa Bay Rays organization from 2006 to 2013. He was signed to the team as an undrafted free agent through team scout Kevin Elfering, according to <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/bullpen\/Craig_Albernaz\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Baseball Reference<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>He saw limited success at the plate as a catcher and outfielder, hitting a .199\/.276\/.530 slash line with five home runs in nine seasons. Albernaz also tried his hand at pitching, holding a 10.69 ERA over 16 innings. He retired from professional baseball in 2014 with the Detroit Tigers farm system.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Introducing our new Manager, Craig Albernaz! Welcome to Birdland!<\/p>\n<p>For 2026 ticket information, go to <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/gkxLtTKbAf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/gkxLtTKbAf<\/a> ?\ufe0f <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/er8W7s6T0k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/er8W7s6T0k<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Orioles\/status\/1982840251090674004?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">October 27, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Following his tenure in professional ball, Albernaz became the hitting coach for the Princeton Rays in 2015, then the Hudson Valley Renegades in 2016. He held two managerial positions with the Renegades in 2017 and then with the Bowling Green Hot Rods in 2018. In both seasons, he led the teams to league championships and finished with a 134-81 record.<\/p>\n<p>Albernaz also <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.oursportscentral.com\/services\/releases\/2018-mwl-champion-craig-albernaz-named-orioles-skipper\/n-6294941\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">won<\/a> the 2018 Midwestern League manager of the year award with the Hot Rods. He also served as the Rays&#8217; minor league field coordinator in 2019.<\/p>\n<h3>A String of Success in the Majors<\/h3>\n<p>The then-38-year-old found himself in the San Francisco Giants organization as the bullpen and catching coach. For those <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/glossary\/positions\/bullpen-coach\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">not familiar<\/a> with the position, the bullpen coach oversees the mechanics and preparation of relief pitchers in games.<\/p>\n<p>Albernaz was one of the coaches on the 2021 Giants team that saw pitchers including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcgeeja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-28_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake McGee<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rogerty01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-28_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Rogers<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=alvarjo01,alvarjo02&amp;search=Jos\u00e9+\u00c1lvarez&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-28_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jos\u00e9 \u00c1lvarez<\/a> throw sub-3.00 ERA seasons. He also oversaw a developing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/d\/dovalca01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-28_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Camilo Doval<\/a> and a young <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/l\/litteza01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-28_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zack Littell<\/a> that season. It was, by far, the <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.covers.com\/sport\/baseball\/mlb\/statistics\/team-bullpenera\/2021\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">best bullpen<\/a> in terms of ERA and WHIP that year.<\/p>\n<p>While not as dominant in 2022 and 2023, the team continued to boast a productive bullpen during his tenure. He did have a major hand in developing Rogers into one of the most dominant relief pitchers in the game today, alongside Doval. That track record saw him get a position on the Guardians&#8217; coaching staff as their <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.mlb.com\/glossary\/positions\/bench-coach\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bench coach<\/a> in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Alongside first-year manager <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/managers\/vogtst01.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stephen Vogt<\/a>, the Guardians reached the American League Championship Series in 2024. They also mounted one of the most memorable regular-season comebacks in 2025, winning the AL Central. Albernaz absolutely had a hand in achieving both those results.<\/p>\n<h3>What Does Craig Albernaz Bring to the Orioles?<\/h3>\n<p>The hire has been seen as a very positive move for the Orioles by pundits and fans alike. Albernaz is seen as a very positive, level-headed coach who acts like a teammate rather than a strict coach. An article by Zack Meisel of <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5816101\/2024\/10\/04\/cleveland-guardians-stephen-vogt-craig-albernaz-bond\/?source=user_shared_article\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Athletic<\/a> painted a very fun, present picture of Albernaz&#8217;s relationship with Vogt and his team.<\/p>\n<p>Jeff Passan of <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/mlb\/story\/_\/id\/46740054\/orioles-tab-craig-albernaz-next-manager-sources-say\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ESPN<\/a> also highlighted his &#8220;ability to connect with players,&#8221; noting it was important for an Orioles team filled with a younger roster. MLB insider Jon Heyman also <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/JonHeyman\/status\/1982834159568695561\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">noted<\/a> Albernaz&#8217;s communication style while also calling him &#8220;confident, humble, smart.&#8221;<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">New Orioles manager Craig Albernaz has rep as great communicator, confident, humble, smart. Also a plus he\u2019s been righthand man of Steven Vogt in Cleveland <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/IPBbywTs2U\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/IPBbywTs2U<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/JonHeyman\/status\/1982834159568695561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">October 27, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The Orioles have many young players on the team, including second baseman <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hollija01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-28_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jackson Holliday<\/a>, outfielder <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/beavedy01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-28_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dylan Beavers<\/a>, and catcher <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/basalsa01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-10-28_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Samuel Basallo<\/a>. Fostering a good relationship between a manager and a player is paramount to having a successful ball club. It&#8217;s also important that the manager appreciates the spirit of the team <a  href=\"https:\/\/eutawstreetreport.com\/orioles-debut-pirate-hat-hr-celebration\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">in the game<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Pass that pirate hat! <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/6ks3rHZw8K\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/6ks3rHZw8K<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Orioles on MASN (@masnOrioles) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/masnOrioles\/status\/1949972007589703994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 28, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Craig Albernaz&#8217;s hiring makes it clear where the Orioles want to go. They want to move in a direction towards a more relaxed manager-player bond. It can work, but they can&#8217;t get too complacent or coddled; that could end in disaster.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Baltimore Orioles hired Cleveland Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz as the next manager of the team. The organization announced the signing\u00a0on Monday afternoon. Baltimore team president and General Manager Mike Elias told ESPN in a statement that the team was &#8220;elated&#8221; to welcome the coach. He also said that Albernaz would bring a &#8221; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5304,"featured_media":88371,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3,1071,35],"tags":[625,6283,28785,5780,1779,4865,2667,907,4620,28515],"class_list":["post-108910","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-orioles","category-mlb","category-news","tag-albert-pujols","tag-camilo-doval","tag-craig-albernaz","tag-jackson-holliday","tag-jake-mcgee","tag-jose-alvarez","tag-scott-servais","tag-stephen-vogt","tag-tyler-rogers","tag-zack-littell"],"modified_by":"Lewis Masella, Site Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108910","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5304"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=108910"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108910\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":108923,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108910\/revisions\/108923"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/88371"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=108910"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=108910"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=108910"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}