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The Baltimore Orioles have hired Jared Banner, formerly of the Chicago Cubs, as their new general manager. Banner will serve under President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias, focusing on player development and strategy.
The Baltimore Orioles have hired Jared Banner as their new general manager, according to multiple reports. Banner, who most recently served as an assistant general manager for the Chicago Cubs, will work under President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias. The announcement was made on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Banner brings nearly two decades of experience in Major League Baseball front offices. According to The Banner, he spent the past six seasons with the Cubs, where he served as assistant general manager and previously as vice president of player development. Before joining Chicago, Banner worked in player development roles with the Boston Red Sox for 11 years and the New York Mets for two years. ESPN’s Jeff Passan also noted that Banner has worked with the White Sox, though other sources primarily highlight his time with the Red Sox, Mets, and Cubs.
In his new role, Banner will lead the Orioles’ player development, coaching, and performance efforts. He will also partner with Elias on strategy, staffing, and acquisitions. The hiring marks the most significant external addition to the Orioles’ baseball operations department since Elias was hired in 2018.
Jared Banner expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity in a press release. "When I first heard Mike’s vision, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. The Orioles are a storied franchise with a passionate fanbase, a historic ballpark, and an organization full of talent," Banner said. "I look forward to building upon the foundation laid by Mike and his team to construct a world-class organization and bring Championships back to Baltimore. I am extremely grateful to Mike, David, and Mike for the opportunity, and I am excited to get to work."
Mike Elias, the President of Baseball Operations, praised Banner’s track record. "Jared has been one of the rising talents in our league for some time, now. He has demonstrated success running multiple different departments and has worked alongside some of the best people and front office talent in the league across multiple stops," Elias said. "He is a perfect fit to grow, evolve and improve the Orioles’ baseball operations, and I look forward to working with him very closely as we build for 2027 and beyond."
The Orioles are seeking to reverse a recent decline. The team finished the 2026 season with a 79-82 record, marking their second consecutive losing season. Baltimore missed the playoffs for the second straight year and has not won a post-season contest since the 2014 ALDS, according to Sportsnet. The team also fired manager Brandon Hyde in May 2026.
The search for a general manager began last year but was paused in November. Elias stated that the organization was seeking "outside voices" to help get back on track. The front office has undergone recent restructuring, including the departure of Director of Player and Staff Development Matt Blood in September and a shift in responsibilities for Assistant General Manager Sig Mejdal.
Banner’s hiring is seen as a move to strengthen player development, an area where the Orioles’ young core has stagnated. In a 2023 interview with MLB.com, Banner emphasized a balanced approach to elevating minor league talent. "It’s communication and collaboration," Banner said. "I don’t think you want to move to any one side. I think we do try to stay grounded in the evidence, but at the end of the day, [the minor leaguers] are human beings. There needs to be a human touch, a care, a belief in each other and a culture created."
The hiring of Jared Banner signals a strategic shift for the Baltimore Orioles as they attempt to rebuild after two losing seasons. By bringing in an executive with extensive player development experience from outside the organization, the team aims to address stagnation in their young core. Banner’s role under Mike Elias clarifies the front office structure, with Elias retaining overall authority while Banner focuses on development and operational improvements. The success of this partnership will be critical for the Orioles’ competitiveness in the coming years.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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