New Orioles manager Craig Albernaz will have a different bench coach in his first season at the helm.
Robinson Chirinos won’t return in 2026, according to an industry source.
Chirinos was hired prior to 2025, his first coaching position at any level. He kept the job through manager Brandon Hyde and interim manager Tony Mansolino, who was promoted from third base coach on May 17.
The Orioles didn’t bring back Fredi González as bench coach following the 2024 season, leaving Hyde with a less experienced staff. Mansolino replaced him in the dugout, and the Orioles hired John Mabry as senior advisor.
To be determined is whether the club will give Albernaz, who’s a first-time manager, a veteran coach in the dugout.
Chirinos retired as a player after appearing in 67 games with the Orioles in 2022. He was close to Hyde, who always considered him to be coaching material.
Albernaz’s hiring earlier this week has led to multiple changes, as anticipated.
Assistant hitting coaches Sherman Johnson and Tommy Joseph won’t return, per sources. Johnson accepted a job as White Sox minor league hitting coordinator.
First base coach Anthony Sanders was allowed to seek other opportunities, per a report from SNY.
The Baltimore Banner first reported that Chirinos wasn’t returning.