Breaking: AL Manager of the Year predictions are out, and Craig Albernaz is at the top. It’s a choice that’s raising eyebrows and sparking debate. What moves set him apart from the rest of the field? (J)

Orioles Aim for Rebound in 2026 With Craig Albernaz at the Helm

The Baltimore Orioles are heading into the 2026 season with a renewed sense of optimism and purpose after a disappointing 2025 campaign in which they finished 75-87, landing at the bottom of the American League East. The Orioles’ struggles last year were a product of inconsistency on the mound, an offense that underperformed despite a deep lineup, and managerial instability, with Brandon Hyde fired on May 17 and Tony Mansolino serving as interim manager.

Now, Baltimore embarks on a new chapter under Craig Albernaz, whose managerial experience and modern approach are already generating buzz around the league.

Albernaz spent the past two seasons with the Cleveland Guardians as associate manager under Stephen Vogt, assisting him in back-to-back Manager of the Year campaigns in 2024 and 2025. Despite being a finalist for managerial openings with the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins last year, Albernaz chose to stay in Cleveland, citing a desire to continue learning and preparing for a future full-time managerial role.

This offseason, however, Albernaz felt ready to take the reins, stepping into a Baltimore roster that has been bolstered aggressively by the front office. His optimism is backed not just by his experience but by Baltimore’s recent moves, which have transformed the team into one of the offseason’s biggest winners.

Baltimore’s Aggressive Offseason Moves

The Orioles have made headlines with their bold roster enhancements, sending a strong message that contention is the goal in 2026. Key offseason acquisitions include:

Shane Baz: Acquired via trade, Baz is expected to anchor the rotation alongside returning arms like Zach Eflin. His past success in pitching to Adley Rutschman in the 2021 Futures Game suggests a potentially seamless integration into Baltimore’s pitching staff.
Taylor Ward: Baltimore traded for Ward, providing versatility in the outfield and depth in the lineup, addressing one of last year’s shortcomings in roster balance.
Pete Alonso: The All-Star first baseman strengthens an already potent lineup and adds a feared power bat, giving the Orioles a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat.
Ryan Helsley: The two-time All-Star closer brings stability to the bullpen, a unit that struggled to maintain leads in 2025. His addition helps shore up late-inning situations and reduces the strain on the rotation.

Taken together, these moves suggest a team determined not just to rebuild but to contend immediately. The Orioles have combined a talented core with strategic acquisitions to improve both pitching and hitting, creating a roster that can compete within a tough AL East.

Can Craig Albernaz Win AL Manager of the Year?

One of the most intriguing storylines heading into the season is Craig Albernaz’s first year as a full-time manager. MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince recently predicted Albernaz as a frontrunner for the American League Manager of the Year Award in his early 2026 projections.

Castrovince noted:

“We’ll go back to the tradition of giving it to a skipper who leads a squad from the abyss to October. That’ll be Albernaz, a gifted dugout mind who was instrumental in helping the Guardians’ Stephen Vogt win this award in consecutive seasons.”

He added:

“It only stands to reason that Vogt will now hand it off to his friend and former comrade, who is taking over a Baltimore squad that had too much talent to be as big a dud as it was in 2025, even before the Pete Alonso deal.”

Albernaz brings a reputation for modern, analytical decision-making, combining traditional baseball instincts with an understanding of advanced metrics and player development. His experience in Cleveland, particularly under Vogt, gave him exposure to both in-game strategy and roster management—skills he’ll now be tested on with a team determined to move up the standings.

A Deep Look at Albernaz’s Approach

Baltimore’s front office made a calculated decision in hiring Albernaz. Unlike some managerial hires that rely solely on past performance, Albernaz’s appointment represents a philosophy shift. He is known for:

Emphasizing communication with players: Albernaz has been praised for creating an environment where players feel engaged in strategy and understand their roles.
Analytical integration: He consistently uses advanced metrics to inform defensive alignments, bullpen management, and hitting strategies.
Player development focus: Working under Vogt, Albernaz helped groom young players like Bobby Witt Jr. and CJ Abrams for success, ensuring long-term stability while competing in the present.

With Baltimore’s young core, particularly Adley Rutschman and Grayson Rodriguez’s successors, Albernaz’s ability to balance development and immediate competitiveness will be key. If he succeeds, the Orioles could become a model for combining talent, analytics, and leadership to climb a division historically dominated by the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays.

Orioles’ Postseason Outlook

While the Orioles are not being pegged as AL East favorites, the roster improvements and managerial hire put them squarely in the mix for a postseason berth. Last year’s struggles masked the underlying talent of the team, and with additions like Alonso, Ward, Baz, and Helsley, the lineup is now both deeper and more versatile.

Baltimore’s rotation and bullpen—previous weak points—have been addressed thoughtfully. Baz is expected to lead the rotation, while Helsley stabilizes the closer role, giving the team a better chance to hold leads in tight games. Meanwhile, the lineup boasts power, speed, and defensive versatility, meaning the Orioles can compete in a variety of matchups within the division.

What Orioles Fans Should Watch

As spring training approaches, Orioles fans will want to keep an eye on several key storylines:

Albernaz’s in-game management: How quickly will he implement his philosophy, and how will he handle pressure situations?
Integration of offseason acquisitions: Will Baz and Alonso adapt seamlessly? Can Ward contribute immediately, or will he take time to adjust?
Rotation depth: Beyond the top of the staff, can the Orioles maintain consistency through injuries or extended periods of poor performance?
Bullpen reliability: Helsley provides a strong anchor, but the rest of the bullpen will need to step up for Baltimore to sustain a playoff push.

Success in these areas could validate both the front office’s aggressive approach and Albernaz’s managerial acumen.

Conclusion

The 2026 season represents a pivotal moment for the Baltimore Orioles. After finishing last in the AL East in 2025, the combination of bold offseason moves and the hiring of Craig Albernaz signals a clear intent: compete now, and establish a foundation for sustained success.

With a deep lineup, a fortified rotation, and a modern, strategic manager at the helm, the Orioles are no longer merely rebuilding—they are contending. Albernaz’s first season will be scrutinized closely, and if he can translate his experience with the Guardians into immediate results, he could very well find himself in consideration for AL Manager of the Year.

Baltimore fans have reason to be excited. The team’s aggressiveness in both roster construction and leadership hires indicates a franchise committed to turning potential into tangible results. As spring training looms just over a month away, anticipation is building, and the Orioles’ 2026 campaign promises to be a defining one.