Orioles Announce New Hitting Coach: Dustin Lind
The Orioles have made a strategic move by hiring Dustin Lind as their new hitting coach, according to Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com. This addition comes as the team prepares for a new era under the leadership of Manager Craig Albernaz. Lind's appointment marks the first significant step in building Albernaz's coaching staff.
Lind's coaching journey began in 2018 as a minor league quality assurance coach for the Seattle organization. He then joined the Giants in 2020, taking on the role of assistant hitting coach, a position he held until 2023. In the past two seasons, Lind has been an assistant hitting coach with the Phillies. Interestingly, Lind and Albernaz have a history of collaboration, having worked together in San Francisco during Albernaz's tenure as bullpen coach and catching instructor for the Giants from 2020 to 2023.
The Orioles have several hitting positions to fill. Cody Asche, the previous hitting coach, has moved to Detroit, and assistant hitting coaches Sherman Johnson and Tommy Joseph will not be returning in 2026. With a focus on improving their hitting performance, the Orioles ranked 24th in scoring last season, a stark contrast to their fourth-place finish in 2024. Lind will have the opportunity to work with a talented group of young players, including Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Jackson Holliday, and Jordan Westburg, who have been key contributors in recent seasons. Additionally, Colton Cowser, Samuel Basallo, and Coby Mayo are vying for regular playing time, with Rutschman being the oldest among the core group and just entering his age-28 season.
The Orioles' decision to hire Lind is a strategic move to address their hitting shortcomings and build a strong foundation for the upcoming season. With Lind's expertise and Albernaz's leadership, the team aims to improve their offensive performance and compete at a higher level.
