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Changes to the Orioles’ coaching staff were inevitable with the hiring yesterday of Craig Albernaz as manager.
It’s already started.
Two-thirds of the hitting coach group is confirmed to be leaving, according to sources. Sherman Johnson, an assistant hitting coach and upper level hitting coordinator, is joining the White Sox as minor league hitting coordinator. Another assistant, Tommy Joseph, won’t be retained.
Johnson is reunited with Ryan Fuller, currently the White Sox director of hitting and previously Orioles co-hitting coach. Johnson and Joseph spent one season with the Orioles, the latter coming over from the Mariners.
Johnson had been in the organization in various hitting coach roles since the 2023 season.
Cody Asche was promoted to hitting coach this season, but his future remains unclear.
Today marks the latest shakeup on the offensive side. Fuller departed after 2024, as did co-hitting coach Matt Borgschulte, who returned to the Twins. The Orioles offered Borgschulte a new contract and raise, according to a source, but he left.
The Orioles scored 677 runs this season and posted a .235 average to rank 24th in the majors. Their .699 OPS was 21st, and their home run total dropped from 235 last year to 191.
Injuries were a contributing factor but didn’t fully explain the regression of some younger hitters.
Other decisions await the Orioles, who hired Robinson Chirinos as bench coach last offseason. Chirinos had no previous experience on any staff but was tabbed to replace veteran Fredi González.
Drew French completed his second season as pitching coach. Assistant Mitch Plassmeyer, also in his second season, became interim bullpen coach after the Orioles dismissed Tim Cossins on May 17.
Buck Britton was promoted to major league coach over the winter and became third base coach after Tony Mansolino was named interim manager. Anthony Sanders has been first base coach for six years, but the Orioles gave him permission to seek another job, according to SNY's Andy Martino.
The Orioles brought in John Mabry as senior advisor after Mansolino took over managing duties, and it's unknown at this time whether he's returning.
The Baltimore Banner first reported the news on Johnson and Joseph.
