The Baltimore Orioles have appointed Jared Banner as their new general manager, tasking him with addressing significant offensive challenges that have emerged within the team’s core lineup. Banner, 40, officially joined the Orioles on Monday and brings nearly two decades of baseball operations experience, including roles in scouting, player development, and front office leadership with the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets.
Banner succeeds a vacancy created after Mike Elias, who previously served as general manager, was promoted quietly to president of baseball operations before the 2025 season. Elias, who remains involved in strategic decisions and acquisitions, has overseen eight seasons without a postseason win despite the team’s strong regular-season showing in 2023, when the Orioles won 101 games and secured a division title.
The Orioles enter Banner’s tenure contending with a marked decline in offensive production from several of their promising young hitters. Leading the concern is shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who saw his on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) drop from .893 in 2024 to .712 this season, while second baseman Jackson Holliday struggled with a .640 OPS over 98 games. Outfielder Colton Cowser’s defensive skills have earned him regular playing time, but his offensive numbers remain below expectations, improving to a .687 OPS in 2026 after a poor 2025 season, yet still shy of his rookie campaign performance.
Tyler Zombro, Cubs’ vice president of baseball operations who worked closely with Banner, emphasized offensive development as a priority. “The offensive stuff,” Zombro said when discussing the next steps for Baltimore, highlighting the urgent need to reignite production from the homegrown talent that once appeared poised to carry the franchise. Zombro also noted Banner’s relentless approach to continuous player improvement, insisting that even major leaguers require ongoing development and coaching adjustments.
In addition to the offensive unit, Banner is assessing Baltimore’s pitching staff, with a focus on starters Shane Baz, Kyle Bradish, and Brandon Young, who are expected to form the rotation’s backbone. According to Zombro, Banner’s attention to detail extends beyond conventional measures; while with the Cubs, he addressed even minor factors impacting performance, from player nutrition to unique physical issues such as blister problems.
Banner’s appointment follows significant personnel changes within the Orioles’ baseball operations, including the departure of vice president of player and staff development Matt Blood in September and the reassignment of longtime Elias aide Sig Mejdal. Working alongside Manager Craig Albernaz, entering his second season, Banner is expected to influence coaching and player development approaches directly, aiming to maximize the potential of a roster that has struggled to consistently convert its talent into wins.
The Orioles’ recent years have been marked by a transition from hopeful buildup to harsher realities. Free agent acquisition Pete Alonso led the club’s offense in 2026 with 43 home runs and 113 RBIs, contrasting sharply with the underperformance of many previously heralded prospects. The emergence of infielder Coby Mayo, who delivered 24 home runs and 63 RBIs, provided some optimism but was insufficient to offset the broader offensive woes.
As the Orioles look to return to contention, Banner’s focus on evolving player development and fostering accountability within the coaching staff could prove pivotal in closing the gap between potential and performance on the field.