Kyle Gibson had recently returned to the Baltimore Orioles, where he was once again reunited with his former manager Brandon Hyde. But their time together was short-lived following the skipper’s dismissal—a move that prompted emotional reactions from both Gibson and Cedric Mullins.
According to a report by Jacob Calvin Meyer, Mullins was holding back tears as he spoke about Hyde, whom he had known since the 2019 MLB season. “I feel like I failed him in a way, just not being able to perform continuously and help get us some wins across the board,” Mullins said.
Gibson also shared how difficult Hyde’s firing was for him: “Feeling like you’re part of getting a manager fired is a gut punch… Hyde was an awesome person. To not have him around stinks.” Despite his message in support of Hyde, the decision had already been made.
Why was Brandon Hyde fired from the Orioles?
Orioles GM Mike Elias explained that the move was made in an effort to change the team’s direction. “As the head of baseball operations, the poor start to our season is ultimately my responsibility,” Elias said. “Part of that responsibility is pursuing difficult changes in order to set a different course for the future.”
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – MAY 28: Cedric Mullins #31 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with manager Brandon Hyde #18 after scoring in the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 28, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Fan reaction to Mullins’ comments
Mullins’ show of support for Hyde received a wave of critical responses online, with fans calling on the outfielder to focus on his performance—especially as he nears the end of his contract with the team.
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“Mullins needs to stop crying and focus on performing continuously over the next 2 1/2 months—his last as an Oriole—to maximize his trade value in advance of the deadline. Doing that will help future Orioles teams get some wins across the board,” one fan wrote on X.
