Elias promoted to Orioles president of baseball operations

The Orioles will expand their offseason searches beyond deciding on a manager and coaching staff. They have more on their plate than improving the roster. 

Mike Elias was promoted from executive vice president/general manager to president of baseball operations, according to a source. The switch was made last winter.

A replacement for Elias is on the docket. 

The team's staff directory still lists Elias with his former title, which he held since his hiring from the Astros organization on Nov. 16, 2018.

A painfully slow start to the season cost manager Brandon Hyde his job on May 17, with third base coach Tony Mansolino replacing him on an interim basis. Speculation swirled around Elias pertaining to his own job security, with his bump remaining quiet until today.

Control owner David Rubenstein sat next to Elias last month at the press conference announcing 21-year-old catcher Samuel Basallo’s contract extension and expressed his confidence in the Orioles’ operation. No mention was made of the promotion.

“We had some bad luck this year, obviously,” Rubenstein said, unprompted.

“Health challenges were more severe than anybody could have ever predicted. Our players, when we have our best team on the field and they’re healthy, I think we’re as good as anybody in baseball. I think people are going to be really happy in Baltimore with what we field next year.”

The expansion of the team’s baseball operations group continued last week with the hiring of Washington Nationals scouting director Danny Haas as a special assistant to the general manager. As reported by MASNsports.com, Haas’ duties will include evaluating players across all markets - the amateur draft, international free agency, the minor leagues and the major leagues. He will assist in evaluating players within the organization and advise Elias and front office executives on all manner of baseball operations decisions and topics.

Elias orchestrated the rebuild that elevated the farm system to No. 1 in baseball and led the Orioles to a winning record in 2022 and back-to-back playoff appearances. His task now is to enable the franchise to rebound from its last-place standing and restore faith in the portion of the fan base that’s grown bitter over an offseason that didn’t elevate the product.

Excitement built over the promotions of Basallo and outfielder Dylan Beavers, adding them to a core that is trusted to return the Orioles to the winning side. 

A wide net is expected to be cast for a manager, with Mansolino likely to be a candidate. But Elias could seek a general manager first to offer a voice.

The Athletic first reported Elias’ promotion.