The Orioles are in the final stages of negotiations with Craig Albernaz about a deal to become the team’s next manager, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Moments before Passan’s report, Jon Heyman of the New York Post wrote that Albernaz was the “frontrunner” in the Orioles’ search.
It’s quite an early birthday present for Albernaz, who turns 43 later this week. Albernaz worked as the Guardians’ associate manager after working as the team’s bench coach in 2024, and four seasons on the Giants’ coaching staff as a bullpen and catching coach. Prior to his work on big league staffs, Albernaz spent four years in the Rays’ farm system, including managerial stints at the high-A and low-A levels.