The Orioles are on the market for a new manager following the 2026 season. However, a potential candidate has no managerial experience.
Orioles predicted to replace Brandon Hyde with surprise Dodgers' World Series-winning coach originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Baltimore Orioles have a critical decision to make regarding their next managerial hire. With one of the most talented young cores in baseball, it's essential they choose a leader who can guide the team forward. The Orioles have been preparing for this change since May, when they fired Brandon Hyde.
“The Baltimore Orioles fired manager Brandon Hyde on Saturday, hoping a new leader can spark a turnaround of the most disappointing team in Major League Baseball. Hyde, who had managed the Orioles through the end of their rebuild and helped lead them to the past two postseasons, oversaw an underwhelming start. The Orioles fell to 15-29,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.
A major factor behind the Orioles' decision to move on so early was their disappointing start to the season.
“There is no bigger disappointment through this season's first half than the Orioles, and it probably isn't even close," ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez wrote.
With the season quickly winding down, it’s time for Baltimore to seriously evaluate its list of candidates. One intriguing possibility is someone who has never managed at the MLB level: George Lombard. Though he lacks managerial experience, he brings a strong coaching background.
“Lombard is an up-and-comer in coaching circles, having served as A.J. Hinch's bench coach in Detroit for the last four years. He played six seasons in MLB and is known for his work with outfielders and baserunners (he was the Dodgers' first-base coach in 2020). Unlike Ross and Schumaker, he doesn't have any managerial experience yet, but he's a young coach (49) with a lot of fans around league circles. His work in helping the Tigers become an AL powerhouse again could position him as the top candidate on the board,” Call to the Pen’s Brandon Glick wrote.
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Lombard could face significant pressure if he lands the Orioles job, as expectations are high to turn the team around quickly. On the upside, he'd inherit a solid lineup with exciting young talent. The key for Lombard—if hired—will be proving from day one that he can win games and lead this roster to success.
Category: Baseball
