REPORT: Guardians Name Craig Albernaz Major League Field Coordinator

The former San Francisco Giants bullpen coach will join Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt's coaching staff after the two were teammates in Tampa Bay's player development system.

After hiring Stephen Vogt as their manager earlier this week, the Cleveland Guardians have made their first addition to his coaching staff.

The team officially announced this morning that former San Francisco Giants bullpen coach Craig Albernaz has been named Cleveland’s new Major League Field Coordinator.

This name may sound familiar to Guardians fans, as he was reportedly being considered for the team’s managerial position before Vogt was hired.

Per the team’s official press release, “As Major League Field Coordinator, he will serve as a resource across all facets of team, assisting Manager Stephen Vogt, the coaching staff, and the players on the day-to-day operations of the Major League club.”

Feb 18, 2020; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco Giants catching coach Craig Albernaz (32) poses for a photo during spring training media day at Scottsdale Stadium.

© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Albernaz brings a strong résumé of recent coaching experience to Cleveland.

The 41-year-old had served as San Francisco’s bullpen coach since the 2020 season. This year, his bullpen pitched an MLB-leading 705.1 innings, compiling a 3.92 ERA. Two seasons prior, Giants relief pitchers led MLB with a 2.99 ERA.

Before coaching in San Francisco, Albernaz spent five seasons as both a coach and manager in the Tampa Bay Rays’ player development system. As a manager, he led both the 2017 Hudson Valley Renegades of the New York-Penn League and 2018 Bowling Green Hot Rods of the Midwest League to league championships.

As a player, Albernaz played nine Minor League seasons, eight of which were in Tampa Bay’s player development system. He signed with the Rays in 2006 as an undrafted free agent. Reaching as far as Triple-A, Albernaz hit .199 with 212 hits, five home runs, 86 RBI, and 37 doubles in 380 games.

While playing in Tampa Bay’s player development system, Albernaz was teammates with Vogt in both 2011 and 2012.

Now, the two will be on the same Major League coaching staff with the Guardians.