Former SF Giants bullpen and catching coach lands first managerial gig with Baltimore Orioles

Former SF Giants bullpen and catching coach Craig Albernaz was highly sought after this offseason. After interviewing with several teams, he finally lands his first managerial gig with the Baltimore Orioles, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Former SF Giants bullpen and catching coach lands first managerial gig with Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles let go of longtime manager Brandon Hyde after a 15-28 start. Tony Mansolino served as the interim manager for the remainder of the year. Overall, Baltimore finished in last place, with a 75-87 record in the AL East.

They were arguably the most disappointing team in 2025. Though, that was not so much a reflection of the work Hyde did as the team’s skipper. The starting rotation needed considerable help last offseason, but instead, they loaded up on back-end rotation arms.

Nevertheless, the Orioles’ job was an appealing one this offseason. They still have a talented roster with a quality farm system. This is a team that reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons before this one.

They will have a well-regarded, first-time manager in Craig Albernaz now leading the way. He had been considered for a handful of managerial vacancies in recent offseasons, including the Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, Giants, Washington Nationals, and Orioles.

He was viewed as a frontrunner for the Marlins’ gig last winter, but withdrew late in the process. Clayton McCullough was eventually hired for that position.

The Giants reached out to Albernaz when they were searching for a manager. Those conversations did not gain much traction. The Giants concluded that process last week after they tabbed University of Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello to be their next manager. Vitello’s next step will be filling out his coaching staff. In a lot of ways, his success as manager will depend on the value his coaching adds.

The Washington Nationals also reached out to Albernaz recently. Interim manager Miguel Cairo and Brandon Hyde were also known candidates for that role.

Albernaz began his coaching career with the Tampa Bay Rays organization. He served in several roles, including being the manager for their High-A affiliate.

Prior to the 2020 season, Albernaz was hired as the Giants’ bullpen and catching coach. He held that role for four seasons, and was recognized for his work with Patrick Bailey behind the plate. More recently, he worked as the Cleveland Guardians’ bench coach and associate manager.