The Baltimore Orioles officially introduced Craig Albernaz as their new manager during a press conference at Camden Yards on November 4, 2025. Albernaz, who was hired on October 27, expressed excitement about leading the team back to contention after a disappointing 75-87 season. The event featured support from owner David Rubenstein and president of baseball operations Mike Elias.
Craig Albernaz arrived relaxed for his introductory press conference on Tuesday morning, seated between controlling owner David Rubenstein and president of baseball operations Mike Elias on the ground floor of the Camden Yards warehouse. The 5-foot-8 former Minor League catcher, who never reached the Majors as a player, joked about his stature when Elias mentioned managers come in all shapes and sizes. He also made faces at Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, a former colleague, seated in the front row.
Albernaz's three children—sons CJ (8 years old) and Norman (6), and daughter Gigi (2)—joined him, with Gigi ending up on his lap during the 45-minute session. He participated in a TikTok trend, quipping about contacting '6-7' players since his hiring. 'I think I’ve talked to about six, seven of the players,' Albernaz said, motioning his hands. 'My kids put me up to it. ... No, I’ve probably reached out to six, seven of them to be honest with you.'
Elias praised Albernaz's fit for the organization. 'You meet a lot of impressive people, but sitting down with Craig and hearing the feedback we got from the many other people that interviewed him, it’s clear that this was a really good fit all around,' Elias said. Rubenstein added, 'He’s very impressive—despite his accent,' referencing Albernaz's New England tone.
Albernaz's coaching career includes roles as the Giants' bullpen and catching coach from 2020-23, bench coach for Cleveland in 2024, and associate manager in 2025. He was a finalist for the White Sox and Marlins jobs last year but chose to stay in Cleveland. 'It’s a big job, and I wanted to make sure that whatever organization I go to I was really ready to jump in and dive in,' Albernaz said. 'Going through the process with Mike and meeting David and the rest of the team and the front office, to me, it was an easy decision.'
The Orioles finished last in the AL East at 75-87 in 2025 after back-to-back postseason appearances, hampered by injuries. Core players like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Jordan Westburg, and Colton Cowser remain. 'The talent just jumps right out at you,' Albernaz said. 'They can perform better in their eyes.'
In related offseason news, the Orioles reacquired reliever Andrew Kittredge from the Cubs for cash considerations on the same day. The 35-year-old right-hander, who posted a 3.40 ERA in 54 games last season split between Baltimore and Chicago, returns after being traded away at the July 31 deadline.
