Just a week after Baltimore Orioles GM Mike Elias publicly backed manager Brandon Hyde, the firing of Pirates manager Derek Shelton has raised questions about whether Hyde might be next.
Shelton was dismissed following Pittsburgh’s 12-26 start, ending years of disappointing results. Now, with the Orioles sitting at 14-24 and last in the AL East, attention is shifting to Baltimore.
Last week, Elias defended Hyde, saying he was “very confident” in his manager and praised his handling of the clubhouse. But as history shows, public endorsements often precede managerial changes in MLB.
Mounting Pressure in Baltimore
After back-to-back successful seasons, including 101 wins in 2023 and 91 in 2024, the Orioles entered 2025 with high expectations. Instead, they’ve struggled mightily, with a starting rotation posting a 5.37 ERA (fourth-worst in MLB) and a lineup that ranks last in OPS against left-handers.
Injuries have played a role—Grayson Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, and Jordan Westburg are all out but excuses won’t cut it when a playoff-caliber team keeps losing series.
GM Elias Still Has Hyde’s Back For Now
Elias insists Hyde hasn’t “lost the clubhouse,” emphasizing the manager’s steady leadership. Players have also stood behind Hyde, saying the team’s poor performance is on them, not the man leading them.
Even Elias acknowledged some blame falls on the front office, saying: “When we have a bad record to start the year, that’s my responsibility.”
Still, Patience May Be Running Out
Baltimore’s 12-18 April was its worst opening month since 2019, worse than any during the rebuild. While Hyde still holds respect in the clubhouse, the team’s results have not matched expectations.
As Pittsburgh just showed with Shelton, verbal support only lasts so long. If the Orioles don’t turn things around soon, Hyde may be the next manager shown the door.
