Former Houston Astros catcher Robinson Chirinos will be the bench coach for the Baltimore Orioles, per The Athletic’s Chandler Rome. Chirinos will serve in the role under manager Brandon Hyde. Chirinos, 40, has an 11-year career as a catcher that began in 2011. He played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets. Chirinos returns to Baltimore where he played his final MLB season in 2022.
Orioles Name Robinson Chirinos as Bench Coach
Chirinos is a suitable fit as a bench coach for the Orioles as he knows the environment well. Chirinos was Rutschman’s backup and mentor in 2022 where he sported a 5 fWAR across 113 games. In addition, he demonstrated impressive defensive metrics. Both worked closely together and sustained a strong relationship where they became close. Spending countless hours reviewing pitchers and hitters on an IPAD. Last season, Chirinos discussed wanting to be a manager in the big leagues. He’s now on his way toward that dream as the new bench coach for the Orioles.
The Orioles have also promoted Cody Asche has been promoted from offensive strategy coach to hitting coach. Sherman Johnson will assume the role of assistant hitting coach and upper-level hitting coordinator, moving from his previous position as upper-level minor league hitting coordinator. Buck Britton, formerly the manager of the Triple-A Norfolk affiliate, will join the major league staff as a coach. Additionally, Tommy Joseph has been hired as an assistant hitting coach, bringing experience from his previous role with the Seattle Mariners.
Chirinos has never served as a coach at any level. The Orioles, however, have a high regard for Chirinos, who concluded his major league career with the team. Even Hyde believes Chirinos has a promising future in coaching, and this new role marks his return to the organization.
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