Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz is entering his first season at the helm with a clear message for his new clubhouse. After spending the last two years on Stephen Vogt’s coaching staff with the Cleveland Guardians, Albernaz brings fresh leadership to a franchise looking to rebound in 2026.
Albernaz, a former minor league catcher with extensive coaching experience, was introduced by Baltimore this offseason after serving alongside Stephen Vogt as associate manager of the Guardians. At the winter meetings on Monday, Albernaz summarized his philosophy in a single line.
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“We want to get with the players and we want to double down on what makes them great,” he said of his players.
This message hopes to set the foundation for Albernaz’s first year vision. Baltimore’s new skipper is clearly looking to establish a system rooted in communication, player empowerment and maximizing strengths rather than overhauling identity as a first-year manager.
A Manager Shaped by Development and Leadership
Albernaz’s coaching background is centered on player development and relationship‑building. His rise through multiple organizations has led to him becoming the manager in Baltimore at just 43 years old — two years older than Vogt, who was considered a younger hire when Cleveland named him Terry Francona’s successor ahead of the 2024 season.
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Albernaz’s connection with Vogt has clearly helped shape his managerial approach. Vogt has been widely praised for fostering player‑first environments, and Albernaz has already displayed similar traits. Vogt spoke glowingly of Albernaz after he got the job.
“He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever been around,” Vogt said. “The hours that he puts in, the time that he puts in, he’s prepared for everything. He’s over-prepared. He knows people and, again, a lot of this job that’s seen on TV is about 5% of what it takes, and the 95% that isn’t seen, he’s going to absolutely crush and bring people together and create an unbelievable winning culture here.”
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“Double Down on What Makes Them Great”
Albernaz’s key message entering 2026 clearly establishes his managerial philosophy, at least as it pertains to inheriting a new group. Instead of introducing sweeping system changes, he appears focused on identifying the core strengths within Baltimore’s roster and bringing out the most in a team that underperformed in 2025. This also suggests that Albernaz wants players to feel ownership of the upcoming season. By centering his approach on their strengths, he’s already displaying confidence in a team that faces an uphill battle in the AL East.
Albernaz’s arrival doesn’t guarantee instant results, but there is reason for optimism he can be a Vogt-like hire. If Baltimore responds to his message, the 2026 season could mark a meaningful turning point for a franchise looking to reestablish its identity after finishing in last place at 75-87 a season ago.