After being one of the most disappointing teams in MLB last season, the Baltimore Orioles are banking on Craig Albernaz to turn things around for them as their manager in 2026.

The Orioles are reportedly close to hiring Craig Albernaz as the franchise's next manager. Albernaz, 42, and the Orioles are finalizing a deal, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Albernaz served last season as the associate manager with the Cleveland Guardians and was the team's bench coach before that.

Orioles name Craig Albernaz the 21st manager in franchise history and the MLB Central crew reacts to this hire

Reports hit the media on Sunday night that the Orioles have made their choice for hiring their next manager, bringing in Guardians coach Craig Albernaz to try to help get this club going back in a good direction again.

The Orioles are finalizing a deal to hire Guardians associate manager Craig Albernaz as manager, a source told MLB.com's Jake Rill. The club has not confirmed the news. Albernaz, 42, spent the last two seasons on Cleveland’s coaching staff.

The big news for the Guardians yesterday was that associate manager/bench coach Craig Albernaz has been hired to be manager of the Baltimore Orioles. The Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a deal to hire Craig Albernaz as manager,

The Orioles are finalizing a deal to hire Guardians associate manager Craig Albernaz as manager, according to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The club has not confirmed the news. Albernaz, 42, spent the last two seasons on Cleveland’s coaching staff.