The Orioles have officially locked in their 2026 coaching staff, and while there are no surprises in terms of new hires, the group taking shape around first-year manager Craig Albernaz is a blend of continuity, fresh perspectives, and a wealth of playing and coaching experience.
Let’s start with the pitching side, where there’s consistency across the board. Drew French is back for his third year as pitching coach, and Mitch Plassmeyer returns alongside him in his third season as assistant pitching coach.
Ryan Klimek, a familiar name within the organization, enters his fourth year as pitching strategy coach and his 10th overall in the Orioles system. That kind of tenure speaks volumes about the trust the franchise has in his analytical approach and ability to connect with pitchers.
Buck Britton, who made his big-league coaching debut last season, is set to handle third base duties in 2026. He initially came aboard as a major league coach before transitioning into this more defined role, and his rise through the Orioles’ system continues to be a testament to the organization’s commitment to developing coaching talent from within.
Albernaz’s 11-man staff is anchored by some notable names, including Donnie Ecker as bench coach. Ecker brings a strong offensive background, having spent the last four years with the Rangers, where he served as offensive coordinator and, more recently, bench coach from 2022 through 2024. He steps into the role previously held by Robinson Chirinos.
Dustin Lind takes over as the club’s new hitting coach. Lind, 37, spent the past two seasons in Philadelphia as an assistant hitting coach and previously worked with the Giants in a dual role as director of hitting and assistant major league hitting coach. He and Albernaz overlapped in San Francisco, so there’s already a foundation of trust and shared philosophy between them.
Lind replaces Cody Asche, who’s now with the Tigers. While the Orioles had two assistant hitting coaches last season, they’re scaling back to one in 2026, bringing in Brady North to fill that role.
North, 34, comes over from the Rays, where he had been an assistant hitting coach since 2022. He’s worked his way up through Tampa Bay’s system, previously coaching in the Gulf Coast League and at Class A Bowling Green.
First base coaching duties will now fall to Jason Bourgeois, who replaces Anthony Sanders (also now with the Tigers). Bourgeois, 43, brings a solid mix of coaching and playing experience.
He spent the last two years with the White Sox in the same role and previously worked in the Dodgers’ system as a minor league outfield and baserunning coordinator. As a player, Bourgeois logged parts of eight seasons in the majors with six different teams, including the Astros and Brewers, and was originally drafted by the Rangers in the second round back in 2000.
In the bullpen, Hank Conger steps in as the new bullpen coach, bringing with him both major league and international coaching experience. Conger spent the last four seasons with the Twins, including time as first base coach and assistant bench/catching coach.
He also coached in the KBO with the Lotte Giants. As a player, Conger caught for seven MLB seasons and was a first-round pick by the Angels in 2006.
Miguel Cairo joins the staff as the new infield coach. Cairo, 51, has worn a lot of hats in his post-playing career, including interim manager for the Nationals, bench coach for the White Sox, and front office and player development roles with the Reds, Mets, and Yankees. His 17-year playing career across nine MLB teams gives him a deep well of experience to draw from, especially when working with young infielders.
Rounding out the staff is Joe Singley, the youngest hire at just 28 years old. Singley takes over as field coordinator and catching coach, a role previously held by Tim Cossins before his departure in May.
Despite his age, Singley has quickly built a reputation as one of the most technically sound catching coaches in the game. He spent last season with the Marlins and previously worked with the Reds.
Albernaz has high praise for him, calling him “the best technical coach on the market” and highlighting his ability to develop catchers at every level.
“We just needed great people around our players to support them,” Albernaz said at the Winter Meetings. “All of our guys-our pitching group, Buck, the new hires-they’re not just great coaches, they’re great people. That’s what matters most.”
That sentiment seems to be the through-line in how this staff was assembled. There’s an emphasis on communication, teaching, and player development, but also on character and chemistry. With this group in place, Albernaz is putting his stamp on the Orioles’ next chapter-one that blends continuity with fresh energy and a clear focus on player support.