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Albernaz an 'all-around fit' for Orioles -- as they are for him
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Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 17:02 GMT by MLB- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Craig Albernaz: From Minor‑League Pitcher to Baltimore Orioles’ New Manager
When the Baltimore Orioles’ board announced on Thursday that Craig Albernaz would take the helm of the franchise for the 2025 season, the news was met with a mixture of excitement and nostalgia. Albernaz, a former Orioles player who now stands on the same dugout that once witnessed his own debut, brings a decade‑long coaching resume, a love for the city, and a clear vision for how the team will compete in the modern game.
A Full‑Circle Journey
Albernaz’s ties to the Orioles go beyond the brief stint he had as a pitcher in the organization in the mid‑1990s. After playing for the Baltimore Orioles’ minor‑league affiliates, he retired at the age of 24 and began a coaching career that would take him through several teams and levels. His early coaching roles included a position as a pitching coach in the Mets’ farm system, a role that allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the mechanics and mentalities of pitching.
In 2012, Albernaz joined the Orioles’ coaching staff as a first‑base coach, a role that he would hold for 13 seasons. During that time, he became a familiar face on the field, known for his sharp in‑field eye, his ability to connect with hitters, and his steady presence during high‑pressure moments. He also worked closely with the team’s roster manager, learning the intricacies of player evaluation and roster construction.
Albernaz’s coaching journey also included a brief stint as a pitching coach for the Chicago Cubs in 2018. While the Cubs were in the midst of a rebuilding phase, he helped shape the development of young arms, earning praise for his ability to extract potential from raw talent.
Why Albernaz? The Orioles’ Vision for the Future
The Orioles’ decision to promote Albernaz to manager was guided by a desire to create a seamless transition that respected the team’s culture while injecting fresh ideas. As the organization’s front‑office director of baseball operations explained, “We’ve always valued continuity. Craig knows the Orioles brand inside and out, from the fans in Camden Yards to the young prospects in the minor‑league system. He’s the perfect bridge between our past and future.”
Albernaz himself has spoken at length about how his background has shaped his approach to managing. In an exclusive interview, he described the importance of:
Player Development – “You can’t put a spotlight on the big names; the real work is in the minors,” he said. He emphasized his experience in the farm system and his belief that a strong pipeline is essential for sustained success.
Team Chemistry – “I’ve been around a lot of personalities. My job is to create an environment where everyone feels heard and valued,” he explained. He referenced his time with the Orioles, where he was often a mentor to younger players.
Data‑Driven Decision‑Making – Although he grew up in an era when data was still a novelty, Albernaz has embraced advanced metrics. He noted that he uses data to inform line‑ups, pitch selection, and defensive positioning, but always balances analytics with intuition.
The Road Ahead: A “Young, Aggressive, and Aggressive” Orioles
Albernaz’s inaugural plan for the Orioles is built on three pillars: a youthful core, an aggressive offensive philosophy, and a pitching staff that can adapt to any situation. In a follow‑up piece that linked to the Orioles’ 2025 schedule, the front office revealed that the team will open the season with a high‑scoring series at Camden Yards, showcasing their newly developed hitters.
The 2025 roster is expected to feature several prospects who have already shown flashes of potential in the majors. Albernaz has highlighted the importance of these players not only as future stars but also as catalysts for team morale. “These guys are hungry,” he said, “and that hunger is contagious.”
Community and Legacy
Albernaz’s role extends beyond the field. He has long been involved in the Orioles’ community outreach programs, serving as a spokesperson for youth baseball initiatives in Baltimore. In an interview embedded in the original MLB article, he expressed his desire to give back to the city that raised him: “Baltimore isn’t just a city; it’s a family. I want to use my platform to help kids in our neighborhoods.”
The manager’s selection was also seen as a nod to the Orioles’ storied past. A 2023 article on the Orioles’ website, which Albernaz referenced in his interview, had praised the franchise’s commitment to developing talent and fostering a family atmosphere. Albernaz’s appointment is expected to reinforce that legacy.
A New Era Begins
The 2025 season will be a test of Albernaz’s leadership. His first game as manager will be a milestone for the franchise, as he takes the dugout in a city that remembers his name as a former player and now sees him as the next step in the Orioles’ evolution. With a coaching background that spans both the major and minor leagues, an intimate understanding of the Orioles’ culture, and a forward‑looking vision, Craig Albernaz is poised to guide the team into a new era of competitiveness and community engagement.
Read the Full MLB Article at:
[ https://www.mlb.com/news/craig-albernaz-talks-about-becoming-orioles-manager ]
