The Baltimore Orioles are entering the final month of the regular season, a stretch that follows what was one of the worst starts in franchise history. Coming into the year, this young team carried sky-high expectations, and fans were excited. But instead of rising to the occasion, the Orioles became one of the most disappointing teams in the first half. While the second half has shown some improvement, the damage was already done.
“There is no bigger disappointment through this season's first half than the Orioles, and it probably isn't even close," ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez wrote.
As part of their response to the underwhelming start, the Orioles made a major change early in the season by parting ways with manager Brandon Hyde. Although Hyde wasn’t expected to be let go, the organization felt it was the best move given the team's slow start.
“The Baltimore Orioles fired manager Brandon Hyde on Saturday, hoping a new leader can spark a turnaround of the most disappointing team in Major League Baseball. Hyde, who had managed the Orioles through the end of their rebuild and helped lead them to the past two postseasons, oversaw an underwhelming start. The Orioles fell to 15-29,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported.
Now, the Orioles are developing a plan for their next manager — and one unexpected name has surfaced as a possible candidate: Brian Roberts, a fan favorite in Baltimore.
“A bit of a wild card on this list is Baltimore fan favorite Brian Roberts. The former All-Star second baseman has no coaching experience, but has served as a part-time color analyst since his retirement in 2014. His father, Mike Roberts, was the head coach of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels for 20 seasons, so he has a tie to the coaching world. While it would be an unconventional selection, Roberts’ combination of Major League experience and familiarity with Baltimore could give him the ability to connect with players while also exciting the fanbase,” Fox Baltimore’s Cale Ahearn wrote.
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Bringing in Roberts would certainly be an unconventional move, but it would be a popular one. Orioles fans watched him shine on the field for 13 seasons — and they could easily envision him doing the same from the dugout. With firsthand experience of what it’s like to play in Baltimore, Roberts could offer both a strong connection with the current roster and a renewed sense of excitement for a fan base eager for something — or someone — to believe in.