Orioles’ new GM Banner says he and Elias will have ‘some uncomfortable conversations’

BALTIMORE—Everyone wants to know how new Orioles general manager Jared Banner and president of baseball operations Mike Elias will work together.

The 40-year-old Banner, who spent nearly six years with the Chicago Cubs, most recently as assistant general manager, has also worked for the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets.

“He’s been on successful teams,” Elias said at Banner’s introduction on Tuesday. “He’s held all kinds of successful roles. He’s led multiple departments. He’s got a great reputation.”

Elias said he spoke with 10 or 12 candidates for the job, and Banner stood out.

“Once we talked to Jared, it was very clear to me that this was the best fit for us,” Elias said.

Elias pointed out that the team hadn’t made major front office hires from outside the organization recently, and Banner said he’s known Elias, who has been with the Orioles since November 2018, since early last decade when they were both scouting.

“I was very impressed with Mike then, and I continue to be now,” Banner said. “In baseball circles, which is a long way from Twitter, we know Mike’s one of the most talented executives in the game, hands down.”

Elias said that while he and Banner are “going to be partnering on everything,” there were areas they’d divide.

Banner “take over everything that to do with our internal players, our internal coaches, player development, performance, healthcare…I will work more directly on the scouting and acquisition side of the equation, pro, international, amateur, contracts.”

Elias said that Banner is experienced and successful in the areas he’ll be responsible for.

“I think he’s better than I am in those areas,” he said.

“I had a really good job in Chicago,” Banner said. “It was a role I was not looking to leave, but when Mike came to me about potentially partnering to build a perennial contender here in Baltimore, it really got me excited.”.

He met with Elias, owners David Rubenstein, Mike Arougheti, Mitch Goldstein and Michael Smith as well as president of business operations Catie Griggs.

“That’s when I started to realize, whoa, hold on, this is a special place,” Banner said. “Baltimore is it. This is the place that me and my family need to be. Storied franchise, iconic ballpark, passionate fan base, owners who care and want to win, and most important of all, the organization’s chock full of talent, top to bottom, so it really made it a pretty easy decision for me.”

Banner has worked in three of the largest markets in baseball. Now he’ll be working in one of the smallest.

“I’ve worked at Fenway Park. I’ve worked at Wrigley Field. I’m not going to just work anywhere,” he said. “This is Camden Yards. This is a special place. Baltimore is a special city.”

Banner spoke to the fans who were watching live on YouTube and Facebook.

“I know you’re frustrated,” he said. “It’s been a rough couple of years. We’re frustrated, too, but you have our commitment. We’re going to build a winner here in Baltimore. We’re going to build a team that Baltimore can be proud of.”

Banner says he’s not afraid of disagreeing.

“I’m always willing to challenge others, and I’m always willing to,” he said. “Me and Mike are going to have some uncomfortable conversations at times, and there’s going to be some tension, and that’s what you need to do. You need to challenge all your processes to get better. So that’s something I take a lot of pride in. It’s a gift and a curse, though.”

After qualifying for the postseason in 2023 and 2024, the Orioles have had losing records for the past two years, but that’s doesn’t deter him.

“We might have to get comfortable being uncomfortable,” he says. “One of my main player development philosophies is we have to make practice more like the game, so the game gets easier once you get in there.”

Banner has already spoken with Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. ,a minority owner with the club, and is having lunch with him on Wednesday. He’s had several conversations with manager Craig Albernaz, longtime centerfielder Adam Jones and he’s even talked with another Orioles legend, Jim Palmer, a team broadcaster.

Earlier this month, Palmer initiated a minor controversy when he said that Albernaz hadn’t returned a text from him about a recommendation he made.

“I made sure I hit Jim back right away,” Banner joked. “Had to.”

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