Here’s a bold statement: The Baltimore Orioles’ future behind the plate could hinge on the leadership of their new manager, Craig Albernaz. But here’s where it gets intriguing—Albernaz isn’t just any manager; he’s a former catcher with nine seasons of minor league experience and a proven track record as a catching instructor and bench coach with the Giants. His expertise could be the game-changer for the Orioles’ catching tandem, Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo, both of whom are pivotal to the team’s success in 2026 and beyond.
Albernaz’s journey from the minors to the majors is a story of dedication and skill. After hanging up his cleats, he transitioned seamlessly into coaching, working with elite talents like Buster Posey during his final year in San Francisco and helping Patrick Bailey emerge as a defensive powerhouse. Now, he brings that wealth of experience to Baltimore, where the stakes are high. And this is the part most people miss: Albernaz’s ability to develop catchers isn’t just about refining skills—it’s about maximizing their potential as leaders on and off the field.
Rutschman and Basallo are no strangers to the spotlight. Rutschman, despite battling injuries that limited him to just 90 games in 2025, is a solid defender with a proven track record. Basallo, on the other hand, is a raw talent with a strong arm but mixed scouting reports on his defensive capabilities. FanGraphs gave him a modest 30 grade for current fielding, while MLB.com was slightly more optimistic with a 45. But here’s the controversial part: Can Basallo truly evolve into a defensive stalwart, or will his limitations hold him back?
The recent trade of Alex Jackson, who logged the second-most plate appearances at catcher for Baltimore last season, only increases the pressure on Rutschman and Basallo. With Jackson gone, the duo will likely shoulder more responsibility, both behind the plate and in other roles. Basallo, for instance, has already shown versatility with starts at first base and as a designated hitter (DH). Rutschman, meanwhile, has experience at DH but has seen his offensive production dip due to injuries.
Albernaz isn’t just focused on their defensive skills. He’s also keen on leveraging their leadership potential. “I’m biased toward catching,” he told reporters, “having a great tandem behind the plate should help us win a lot of games in itself. With those two guys, I’m going to lean on them a lot. I’m going to give them a lot of information on how to lead this team, our pitching staff, and even hold the coaches accountable.” But here’s a thought-provoking question: Can catchers truly be the linchpin of a high-functioning team, or is that role better suited for other positions?
As Albernaz steps into his new role, the Orioles’ catching situation is both a challenge and an opportunity. Rutschman and Basallo are undeniably talented, but their success will depend on how effectively Albernaz can mold them into a cohesive unit. Whether you’re a die-hard Orioles fan or a casual observer, one thing is clear: the future of Baltimore’s catching corps is in capable hands. But what do you think? Can Albernaz unlock their full potential, or are there too many variables at play? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!