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CLEVELAND, Ohio — Craig Albernaz is set to be announced as the next manager of the Baltimore Orioles according to several reports late Sunday night. Albernaz, 42, has served as associate manager for the Guardians since joining Stephen Vogt’s staff in November 2023. He was rumored to be under consideration as the manager last offseason for the Marlins and White Sox, but returned to Cleveland and helped get the Guardians back to the postseason for the second straight year. A native of Fall River, Mass., Albernaz makes his home in Philadelphia. The Orioles were one of six major league clubs looking to fill managerial spots after firing Brandon Hyde after a 15-28 start to the season. More Guardians coverage Mafia poker games, prop bets & sports betting — Terry Pluto Carl Willis will return as Guardians’ pitching coach: The week in baseball Will Guardians go outside the organization to add run production for 2026? Hey, Hoynsie! Former Cleveland minor league manager Tony Mansolino managed Baltimore to a 75-87 record and fifth place in the American League East Division as interim manager. Albernaz, who turns 43 on Thursday, played at Eckerd College in Florida, where he caught and pitched. He went undrafted out of college and signed with the Tampa Bay Rays as a free agent in 2006. After nine minor league seasons, Albernaz retired from playing in 2014 and started coaching in the Rays’ minor‐league system in 2015. He was named Midwest League Manager of the Year in 2018. In 2019, he joined the Giants major‐league staff as bullpen and catching coach, guiding a relief unit that ranked among the best in the big leagues. He was under consideration for the Guardians managerial job that went to Vogt, but made such an impression during the interview process that Cleveland’s front office invited him to be part of the coaching staff, along with ex-Cleveland minor league infield coach Kai Correa.. Albernaz served as bench coach in 2024, and associate manager in 2025 as the Guardians won the AL Central Division both years and advanced to the postseason.
