The Baltimore Orioles are looking to hand the keys to one of the most intriguing coaching minds in the league. Craig Albernaz’s rise from undrafted free agent to major league coach is a great example of how hard work pays off. He didn’t have five-star recruiting rankings or first-round draft picks to help him along the way. Instead, it was based on relationships, the catcher’s gut feeling, and the kind of honesty that draws guys to him. Reportedly, as Albernaz enters the AL East, let’s take a look at his journey so far.

Who is Craig Albernaz? Everything to know

Craig Francis Albernaz was born on October 30, 1982, in Fall River, Massachusetts. He went to Somerset Berkley Regional High School, where baseball became more than just a game for him; it became his way to get ahead. Albernaz played both as a pitcher and catcher at Eckerd College. He graduated in 2005 with a baseball IQ that scouts noted, even if they weren’t impressed by his athletic skills.

In 2006, the Tampa Bay Rays signed him as a free agent who had not been selected. Albernaz worked his way through the minor leagues for nine years, reaching Triple-A, but never got the call to the major leagues. With a lightning-fast 1.85-second release to second base, he threw out 61% of would-be base stealers behind the plate. His playing career ended in 2014 with the Detroit Tigers organization, and by the very next year, his future lay in shaping players, not just catching them.

But there is more to him than just baseball.

Who is Craig Albernaz’s wife? Everything to know

Craig Albernaz’s wife has quietly supported him as he has steadily climbed the unpredictable ladder of baseball. The couple has often stayed out of the public eye. He got married to Genevieve, and together they’ve built a life that centers on family values and shared priorities. Back in 2017, when discussing the unpredictable nature of his coaching career, Albernaz captured their dynamic perfectly: “She’s on board for anything. She understands this game is crazy at times.”

They both have a beautiful family with three children: two sons — C.J. and Norman — and a daughter, Genevieve Elizabeth. Craig Albernaz tweeted on July 15, 2023, that his daughter, Genevieve Elizabeth Albernaz, was born weighing 7.39 lbs at 35 weeks. He called his wife a “rockstar” and said that he was happy that their sons welcomed “Little Gigi.”

Craig Albernaz’s net worth, MLB contract, salary, and bonuses

The financial details of Craig Albernaz’s reported deal with the Baltimore Orioles are not public information yet. According to the industry standards, it is said that new major league managers routinely sign contracts for more than one year, and their salaries usually vary from $1 million to $6 million a year, depending on their experience and the market.

Inside his professional career

Craig Albernaz’s coaching career started in 2015 with the Tampa Bay Rays, the same clubhouse where he’d spent eight playing seasons. He started with the rookie-level Princeton Rays before moving to the Low-A Hudson Valley Renegades in 2016. In 2017, he began as the third base and catching coach for Triple-A Durham Bulls before taking over as Hudson Valley’s manager mid-season. His leadership caught attention immediately.

The 2018 season brought Albernaz to the High-A Bowling Green Hot Rods, where he earned Midwest League Manager of the Year honors. His ability to develop young talent while fostering winning environments made him a hot commodity. By 2019, the Rays promoted him to minor league field coordinator. His reputation for building genuine connections with players opened doors beyond the Tampa Bay ballclub.

In December 2019, the San Francisco Giants signed Albernaz as their bullpen and catching coach. He was there for four seasons and then came the Guardians. In 2023, the Cleveland Guardians were looking for a bench coach. They didn’t just want someone with tactical knowledge; they also needed someone who could match Stephen Vogt’s intensity. Albernaz became the top choice. Cleveland promoted him to assistant manager in 2024 after one season as a bench coach.

Now, Baltimore has that future. After Brandon Hyde was fired in May after the Orioles started the season 15-28, Tony Mansolino was named the team’s temporary manager. With the 2026 summer coming, Craig Albernaz might be key. Mansolino did his best to keep things on track, but Baltimore ended the 2025 season in last place in the AL East with a record of 75-87.

Now, with Albernaz likely taking over a team that didn’t do well, his first job as a manager is both risky and full of opportunities. Only 2026 will tell how it goes.