The Baltimore Orioles have named Craig Albernaz as their new manager [6]. The organization hopes Albernaz can revitalize a young core that largely underperformed in the 2025 season [1].
Albernaz Takes the Helm
Albernaz, formerly the associate manager for the Cleveland Guardians, has been hired to lead the Orioles [2, 6]. The O's President of Baseball Operations, Mike Elias, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We are elated to welcome Craig Albernaz as the next manager of the Orioles and our leader on the field" [6]. Prior to his time with Cleveland, Albernaz was known for his hands-on approach as a bullpen and catching instructor with the San Francisco Giants [10]. During spring training in 2022, he was seen giving very specific instructions to catcher Joey Bart [10]. Albernaz's personality seemed to endear him to players; when he was with the Giants, then-manager Gabe Kapler joked about Albernaz's thick Massachusetts accent [9].
One of Albernaz's key tasks will be to improve the team's offensive output [1]. In 2025, the Orioles ranked 24th in team on-base percentage (.305) and 21st in team OPS (.699) [1]. Almost every member of the team's offensive nucleus regressed, except for 21-year-old Jackson Holliday [1]. Elias hopes to add either an impactful arm or a veteran bat through free agency to complement the existing talent [1].
Gibson's Ascent and Cano's Struggles
In other Orioles news, Trey Gibson has emerged as one of the organization's hottest prospects [4]. Gibson, who was undrafted, has quickly risen through the ranks [4]. He features a knuckle curveball with depth and a changeup used effectively against both left- and right-handed hitters [3]. Despite a somewhat unconventional arm action, Gibson possesses four quality pitches and demonstrated starter-quality strike throwing in 2024 [3].
Meanwhile, reliever Yennier Cano struggled in 2025 after a strong first month [8]. In a game against Toronto, Cano surrendered the lead after giving up singles to three of the first four batters he faced [7]. He then allowed a three-run home run, further cementing his struggles [7]. The consistency of these struggles raised concerns about Cano's future with the Orioles [7]. The Orioles' bullpen underwent significant changes throughout the 2025 season [8].
TL;DR
- Craig Albernaz has been named the new manager of the Baltimore Orioles [6].
- The Orioles hope Albernaz can help the team's young core bounce back after an underwhelming offensive season [1].
- Trey Gibson has become one of the Orioles' hottest pitching prospects after rapidly developing his skills [4].
- Reliever Yennier Cano struggled throughout the 2025 season, raising questions about his future role [7].