Craig Albernaz has already begun making waves with the Baltimore Orioles, even before his first game as a manager. His notable interaction with free agent slugger Pete Alonso, which occurred during a media introduction in December, has drawn significant attention. Super agent Scott Boras highlighted the impact of Albernaz’s communication skills, noting that he succeeded in making Alonso envision what it would be like to play in Baltimore.
Boras remarked on the strength of Albernaz’s presentation, stating, “He did a remarkable job of making someone in a room understand how that would be if he played here.” Such a skill, he indicated, is rare and valuable, especially within a brief meeting. Following the interaction, Boras felt compelled to privately commend Orioles’ general manager Mike Elias, suggesting that Albernaz’s ability to resonate with Alonso left a lasting impression on both the player and the organization.
Recently, Albernaz further elaborated on his experience in that pivotal meeting during an appearance on the “Banner Baseball Show,” where he joined co-hosts Paul Mancano and Jon Meoli. He shared insights into how the meeting helped the Orioles win Alonso over, and also outlined his plans for the upcoming spring training. The conversation extended to highlight the team’s recent acquisition of pitcher Shane Baz, showcasing the organization’s proactive approach as they gear up for the season.
With increasing momentum surrounding the team and strategic acquisitions, Albernaz’s early influence is setting a promising tone for the seasons ahead, fostering optimism for both the players and fans alike.