Uncertain Mansolino waits on Orioles’ decision

NEW YORK—Tony Mansolino is celebrating his 43^rd birthday on Sunday. He hopes it’s not his last day in an Orioles uniform. Since May 17^th, Mansolino has been the Orioles’ interim manager, and he’d love to be the team’s skipper for 2026 and beyond.

On Monday, Mansolino and the team’s president of baseball operations, Mike Elias, will address the future of Mansolino and the Orioles. Baltimore closes out its season on Sunday against the New York Yankees.

“It’s always a weird feeling,” Mansolino said about Game 162 in a disappointing season. “There’s certainly a feeling of unfinished business in a lot of ways because our fate is to go home.”

It’s the Orioles’ first losing season since 2021, and after two straight postseason appearances, they’ll watch October from home.

“It’s a little sad,” he said.

Mansolino has often cited his father, Doug, who’s worked in major and minor league ball for several decades. He understands uncertainty.

“I’m hopeful I’ll wear an Orioles uniform in the future, one way or another,” he said. “But also understand that it’s very likely I’ll have to find a job here in the next couple of days and go look around.

“It is part of the business. It’s not a sympathetic thing by any means. It’s just when you sign up to be a coach, and you coach in the big leagues, things change and things change quick. That’s just how this things goes. I do believe strongly that if you do things right and you do a good job and you treat people the right way, there’s always going to be an opportunity somewhere.”

Mansolino enters the final game of the season with a 60-58 record after taking over for Brandon Hyde, who was 15-28.

“I’m confident in the opportunity to stay here in one form or another,” he said. “I think it’s gone really great, but I understand how this business is.”

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com.