The Baltimore Orioles have officially introduced Jared Banner as their new general manager, with Banner promising to help build a winning team that fans across the city can be proud of.
During his first public remarks Tuesday, Banner outlined his enthusiasm for joining the organization and working alongside Mike Elias, the Orioles’ president of baseball operations, to strengthen the franchise and establish a perennial contender in Baltimore.
The Orioles announced Banner’s hiring last week, bringing the Chicago Cubs executive into a key leadership role as the team looks to build on its existing talent.
Elias introduced Banner to reporters, expressing confidence in his experience and readiness to take on the position.
“We are so pleased now that we’ve landed on Jared for this opportunity and this position,” Elias said.
He described Banner as an executive in the prime of his career who is well-prepared to make a significant contribution to the organization.
“Jared has had a great career, and I think he’s really in the prime of his career. And we’re getting him at a time when he’s really well-prepared for this,” Elias added. “And ready to grow, and have a huge impact on our franchise in this tremendously important position for us.”
Jared Banner Calls Baltimore the Right Fit
Elias said his early conversations with Banner made it clear that the Orioles and the new general manager were a strong match.
Banner acknowledged that he had been happy in his previous role as the Chicago Cubs’ assistant general manager and was not actively looking to leave.
However, discussions with Elias about building a consistent contender in Baltimore changed his perspective.
“But when Mike came to me about potentially partnering to build a perennial contender here in Baltimore, it really got me excited,” Banner said.
As he learned more about the organization and the city, Banner said he came to appreciate what makes Baltimore a special place for baseball.
He pointed to the Orioles’ history, iconic ballpark, passionate fan base and ownership’s commitment to winning. He also highlighted the depth of talent throughout the organization as a major reason for accepting the job.
“Storied franchise, iconic ball park, passionate fan base. Owners who care and want to win. And most important of all, the organization is chock full of talent, top to bottom. So it really made it a pretty easy decision for me,” Banner said.
Banner also addressed Orioles fans directly, promising that he and Elias intend to work together to improve the team.
“You have our commitment, we’re going to build a winner here in Baltimore. We’re going to build a team that Baltimore can be proud of,” he said.
Banner to Oversee Player Development and Coaching
As general manager, Banner will lead the Orioles’ player development, coaching and performance efforts, according to the team’s announcement. He will also work closely with Elias on broader baseball operations responsibilities, including strategy, staffing and talent acquisition.
The arrangement places Banner in a central role in shaping the organization’s player development system and coordinating efforts to strengthen the roster over time.
Banner joined the Chicago Cubs in December 2020 as vice president for special projects. He later served as vice president for player development from 2022 through 2023 before becoming the team’s assistant general manager in January 2024.
Before his time in Chicago, Banner worked for the New York Mets from 2018 to 2020 as executive director of player development, overseeing the organization’s minor league system beginning in December 2018.
His career also includes 11 years with the Boston Red Sox, where he worked during a period in which the franchise won three World Series championships in 2007, 2013 and 2018.
More details about his earlier career are available in CBS News New York’s report on Banner’s appointment with the Mets.
With Banner now officially in place, the Orioles will have him and Elias working together on player development, organizational strategy and talent acquisition as they pursue their goal of building a team capable of sustained success in Baltimore.
