The Orioles will not retain bench coach Robinson Chirinos for the 2026 season. reports Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. Kostka writes that Chirinos is technically still under contract, but is pursuing opportunities elsewhere.
That’s common practice when teams make management changes. Chirinos was hired last offseason to replace Fredi González as Brandon Hyde’s top lieutenant. That lasted all six weeks of the regular season. Baltimore fired Hyde after he started the season with a 15-28 record. While many teams promote their bench coach to interim manager after a midseason firing, the O’s chose third base coach Tony Mansolino in that role.
This was Chirinos’ first season on an MLB staff, so it’s not surprising that the Orioles opted for a fifth-year coach in Mansolino for the rest of the year. Earlier this week they appointed Guardians associate manager Craig Albernaz as their permanent skipper. Hiring external management usually results in an overhaul of the technical staff. The O’s have already moved on from assistant hitting coaches Sherman Johnson and Tommy Joseph. There is no official word yet on the status of others.
The 41-year-old Chirinos should be able to find a coaching position at another club. The former catcher was a respected clubhouse leader during a playing career that spanned parts of 11 seasons. Chirinos played for six teams, including the Orioles, and spent most of his career with the Rangers.
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