Overview
- Craig Albernaz, 43, was introduced at Camden Yards with owner David Rubenstein and baseball operations chief Mike Elias publicly backing his hire.
- A former minor-league catcher, Albernaz coached with the Giants and spent the past two seasons as Stephen Vogt’s bench coach and associate manager in Cleveland.
- He outlined a philosophy that blends fundamentals with analytics and tailors game plans to players’ strengths, emphasizing a more diverse offense and sound defense.
- Baltimore is coming off a 75-87 last-place finish in 2025, and club leadership voiced confidence in a bounce-back under Albernaz in 2026.
- The Orioles also reacquired reliever Andrew Kittredge from the Cubs for cash on the day of the introduction, signaling active offseason work.