The Orioles announced Wednesday that Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Dan Duquette and field manager Buck Showalter will not return to the organization in 2019. Duquette and Showalter are currently completing contracts that conclude at the end of the month.
The club will hire an executive from outside of the organization to lead the Baseball Operations department. Once in place, this individual will have the final determination on all baseball matters that he or she believes will make the Orioles successful on the field, entertaining to fans, and impactful in the community.
While Director of Scouting Gary Rajsich, Vice President of Baseball Operations Brady Anderson, and Director of Player Development Brian Graham currently remain under contract, Graham will handle day-to-day oversight of Baseball Operations department in the interim period. Graham joined the Orioles organization in 2007 after having previously served as interim General Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
On behalf of the club, the Angelos family, and partners, spokesperson Greg Bader issued the following statement:
"With the conclusion of the 2018 season, the club has decided to reorganize its Baseball Operations department under new executive management. We thank Dan and Buck for their many contributions over the past several years. Under their leadership, prior to the 2018 season and for six consecutive years, the club delivered competitive teams playing meaningful baseball into September, achieved three postseason appearances and came within four games of a World Series appearance, and won more games than any other American League club during a period spanning five of those six enjoyable seasons.
"Everyone in Birdland and across our organization will cherish these memories, and we all join in thanking Dan and Buck for their contributions.
"As we look forward to the next chapter of Orioles Baseball, we are grateful for the ongoing support of our fans. While this year has been a challenge, the organization is determined to grow and change in ways that will ultimately lead us back to the postseason."