Showalter won't return as Orioles manager

The Orioles will move forward with their plans to rebuild while leaving behind the man who has managed them since August 2010.

Buck Showalter won't return for the 2019 season, according to multiple sources, with the club allowing his contract to run out at the end of the month. The offseason will include a search for his successor.

Showalter won't remain in the organization in any capacity - it's believed that he wasn't offered anything else - and he flew home to Dallas today. He met with ownership representatives Saturday and had another conversation this morning.

A 47-115 record, the worst in franchise history, lowered Showalter's overall mark with the Orioles to 669-684. He ranks second behind Hall of Famer Earl Weaver in wins and longevity with the club.

A streak of 14 consecutive losing seasons ended in 2012 under Showalter's guidance, with the Orioles winning the wild card game in Texas. They made the playoffs three times in a five-year span, winning their first division title in 17 seasons in 2014.

The September collapse last summer bled into 2018 and never clotted. And now, the Orioles will begin the process of hiring their 20th manager.

Showalter has been named Manager of the Year in 1994 with the Yankees, 2004 with the Diamondbacks and 2014 with the Orioles. He didn't indicate on Sunday whether he'd want to stay in the dugout with another team.

A change has been anticipated for much of the summer, but didn't become confirmed until today. Players and coaches have been bracing for it. Showalter's home in the Baltimore area has been for sale.

"Buck's the only major league manager I've had," catcher Caleb Joseph said before Sunday's finale. "He's probably the best in-game manager still breathing. I mean, his in-game stuff is tremendous. I wasn't sure there was more to learn about baseball at 27 when I made my debut, but I've learned a lot from Buck. Just stuff that I had never really even thought of.

"If you've been around the game long enough, it can't really be reinvented. I'm not saying he reinvented the game, but there's so many things he's shown just by his actions and the way he's managed the ballclub that I've never considered. He's an old school-type manager. I love that about him. He gave me a chance. And he stuck with me and stuck by me. I owe a lot of gratitude and thanks to him for, A, giving me a chance and then for sticking by me.

"It would be extremely awkward not to see him in the clubhouse. I've always respected the way he went about his business in the game, preparing, effort, like he wants to win every single day. There's no question that attitude, effort and preparation is the exact same every day when it came to winning. I love that, I love that. It's been a real honor and blessing to cross paths with him.

"To be honest with you, I haven't thought long and hard about what it would mean for him not to be in the first seat on the bus. I really haven't. It's just normal for me."

Showalter's exit will have an obvious impact on the coaching staff and the ripple effect could touch various departments.

More to come.