The Baltimore Orioles have appointed Craig Albernaz, the assistant coach of the Guardians, as their new head coach.

The Baltimore Orioles are nearing a decision on their next head coach. As first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan and later confirmed by MLB’s website, the Orioles plan to sign Cleveland Guardians assistant coach Craig Albernaz as their head coach, but the organization has not officially confirmed this yet.

Albernaz is approaching his 43rd birthday. He spent the past two seasons on the Guardians’ coaching staff, helping the team reach the playoffs in consecutive years. Last year, they won the American League Central with a 92-69 record, advanced to the AL Championship Series in 2024, and this year made the playoffs with an 88-74 record but lost to the Detroit Tigers in the AL Wild Card series.

He previously served as bullpen and hitting coach for the San Francisco Giants. This will be his first role as a Major League head coach; his only prior managerial experience was in 2017 as the short-season A manager for the Rays and in 2018 as a manager at the A level.

Despite lacking MLB head coaching experience, Albernaz has been a sought-after candidate for several managerial positions in recent years. Last offseason, he was shortlisted for the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins head coaching jobs but ultimately withdrew to continue working under Stephen Vogt with the Guardians.

The Orioles fired 2023 American League Manager of the Year Brandon Hyde after a 15-28 start this season. Under interim manager Tony Mansolino, the team finished with a 75-87 record, marking their worst performance since 2021.

Albernaz will be the second head coach appointed under Orioles general manager Mike Elias, who took over in November 2018. The organization hopes to turn things around immediately in the 2026 season, believing the team still has a strong core roster.

The Orioles face many challenges heading into next season. This year, their pitching staff ranked near the bottom in the American League in earned run average, several key hitters underperformed, and they may lose some starting rotation players like free agents Zach Eflin and Tomoyuki Sugano.

Next spring training will focus on key players such as shortstop Gunnar Henderson, catcher Adley Rutschman, infielders Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg, and outfielder Colton Cowser, aiming for improved results.