The Baltimore Orioles have strengthened their front office by appointing Jared Banner as the new general manager under president of baseball operations Mike Elias, the team announced on Monday. Banner, previously the assistant GM of the Chicago Cubs, will oversee the organization's player development, coaching, and performance while collaborating with Elias on strategy and talent acquisition.

Mike Elias expressed confidence in Banner, stating, "Jared has been one of the rising talents in our league for some time now. He has demonstrated success running multiple departments and worked alongside some of the best front office talent in the league."

Prior to his role with the Cubs, Banner served as the vice president of player personnel for the New York Mets and spent over 11 years with the Boston Red Sox, where he earned three World Series rings (2007, 2013, and 2018).

Banner's hiring comes at a pivotal moment for the Orioles, who recently emerged from a challenging rebuild that saw them lose a staggering 115 games in 2018, 108 in 2019, and 110 in 2021. The rebuild's fruits were evident in their 101-win season and division title in 2023, but playoff struggles (0-5) and a disappointing 2025 season led to managerial changes and a sub-.500 finish in 2026.

With the team's young core, including talents like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Jackson Holliday, now facing stagnation, the Orioles' future appears uncertain. Banner's role is crucial as he aims to address Elias' weaknesses and steer the team towards a more competitive path. The upcoming offseason will be critical, possibly signaling a shift in approach as the Orioles prepare for another run with their current core.