The Baltimore Orioles have a new second-in-command in the dugout. On Monday, the team announced that Robinson Chirinos, a veteran of 11 Major League seasons as a catcher, will replace Fredi González as bench coach under manager Brandon Hyde.
Chirinos, 40, brings a wealth of on-field experience to his new role. Over his playing career, which concluded with the Orioles in 2022, he suited up for seven different teams, logging time with the Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and Baltimore. Known for his defensive prowess behind the plate and power at the dish, Chirinos compiled a .226 batting average with 95 home runs and 306 RBIs across 714 big league games.
A Fresh Perspective for Hyde’s Staff
The addition of Chirinos represents a significant shift for Hyde’s coaching staff. González, who previously held the bench coach position for three seasons, boasts an impressive resume, including managerial stints with the Florida Marlins and Atlanta Braves. His departure after five years with the Orioles organization creates an opening for a new voice and perspective.
Chirinos, while lacking in coaching experience, offers a unique viewpoint as a recently retired player. His ability to relate to and communicate with the Orioles’ young roster could prove invaluable, particularly when it comes to mentoring the team’s catchers and helping to guide in-game strategy.
Building on Last Season’s Success
The Orioles are coming off a surprising 2023 campaign in which they defied expectations, finishing second in the hypercompetitive American League East with a 91-71 record. However, their magical season came to an abrupt end when they were swept by the Kansas City Royals in the AL wild card series.
We took a big step forward last year, but we know there’s still work to be done. Robinson brings a fresh energy and perspective that we believe will help us continue to grow and improve.
– Orioles source speaking on condition of anonymity
Despite the disappointing postseason exit, the Orioles’ 2023 success provided a foundation upon which to build. With a young, talented core anchored by the likes of Adley Rutschman and Brandon Hyde, the franchise appears poised for sustained success. The addition of Chirinos to the coaching staff is seen as another step in the right direction.
A Revamped Coaching Staff
In addition to Chirinos, the Orioles announced several other changes to their coaching staff:
- Cody Asche, formerly the team’s offensive strategy coach, has been promoted to hitting coach. He replaces the tandem of Ryan Fuller and Matt Borgschulte.
- Tommy Joseph, who served as the Seattle Mariners’ assistant hitting coach in 2023, joins the Orioles in the same role.
- Longtime minor league manager Buck Britton has been named a major league coach after successful stints at the helm of the Orioles’ minor league clubs.
Meanwhile, several key members of Hyde’s staff will return in their same roles, including pitching coach Drew French, third base coach Tony Mansolino, and first base coach Anthony Sanders. This blend of continuity and fresh perspectives has the Orioles optimistic about their chances in 2024.
Rising to the Challenge
As Chirinos settles into his new role, he’ll be tasked with helping the Orioles navigate the challenges of the coming season. In a division that features perennial powerhouses like the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays, as well as the talented rosters of the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox, success will not come easily.
However, if the Orioles can build upon the foundation they laid in 2023, there’s reason to believe they can contend for a playoff spot and perhaps even challenge for the AL East crown. With a talented young core, an experienced manager in Hyde, and now a fresh voice in Chirinos, the pieces may be falling into place in Baltimore.
As the Orioles prepare for the start of spring training, all eyes will be on Chirinos and the rest of the coaching staff as they look to guide the team to new heights. Only time will tell if the former catcher’s transition to coaching will be a smooth one, but for now, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and optimism surrounding the Orioles as they embark on a new chapter in their storied history.
