Rays Hire Brandon Hyde: Baseball Ops Update

by Liam O'Connor

Brandon Hyde Joins Tampa Bay Rays as Senior Advisor After Orioles Departure

A seasoned baseball mind is heading to Florida. The Tampa Bay Rays announced Monday that former Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde has joined the organization as a senior advisor to the baseball operations department, following his dismissal from the Orioles in May 2025.

Hyde’s arrival in Tampa Bay concludes weeks of speculation, with initial reports surfacing on November 26 that the two parties were in discussions. According to reports from Robert Murray of Fansided and Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the role will see Hyde contribute to both the major league club and the Rays’ extensive minor league system.

Hyde, 52, spent seven seasons managing the Orioles, compiling a record of 421-491. While his overall win-loss record may not immediately stand out, analysts emphasize the challenging circumstances he faced during his tenure. Hyde’s first season in Baltimore coincided with a deliberate organizational rebuild initiated by then-newly appointed President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias, who replaced Dan Duquette following the 2018 season. This rebuild involved a significant overhaul of the roster and a period of strategic tanking to bolster the farm system.

Despite the initial struggles, Hyde guided the Orioles to three consecutive winning seasons from 2022-2024, culminating in a remarkable 2023 campaign where the team won the American League East with a 101-61 record. This success earned Hyde the 2023 American League Manager of the Year award. The Orioles reached the postseason in both 2023 and 2024, but were eliminated in the ALDS by the Texas Rangers (who would go on to win the World Series) and the Wild Card round by the Kansas City Royals, respectively.

The 2025 season proved to be a stark contrast. The Orioles, entering the year with high expectations, quickly faltered, posting a disappointing 15-28 record by mid-May. A combination of insufficient starting pitching and underperforming offensive players led to Hyde’s dismissal and the appointment of third base coach Tony Mansolino as interim manager.

Prior to his time in Baltimore, Hyde gained valuable experience as a bench coach and first base coach with the Chicago Cubs. He also served as a bench coach for two seasons with the Miami Marlins, alongside several years managing and coaching within the Marlins’ minor league system. Before transitioning to coaching, Hyde had a four-year playing career in the Chicago White Sox organization as a catcher and first baseman.

Hyde’s extensive background and proven ability to develop players and build a winning culture make him a valuable addition to the Rays organization. His new role as senior advisor will allow him to leverage his expertise across all levels of the Rays’ system, potentially contributing to sustained success for years to come.

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