The Seattle Mariners will search for their 22nd manager after announcing Sunday that Dan Wilson will not return next season. Despite a 76-86 finish, the club intends to retain president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto and general manager Justin Hollander to oversee the transition.
Front Office Stability and the Managerial Search
The departure of Dan Wilson marks the end of a tenure that included a significant postseason run in 2025 but concluded with a 76-86 record. According to Seattle Sports, the organization is looking for its third skipper since Jerry Dipoto assumed the role of president of baseball operations following the 2015 season. While the manager position is vacant, the team has signaled continuity in its leadership structure; Dipoto and general manager Justin Hollander are expected to return in 2027.
If you’re hiring somebody who does not have a whole lot of experience, inherently, you’re going to have more front office input,
Passan said during an appearance on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk. He added that while experienced candidates may bring their own established philosophies, they remain highly desirable for a Mariners job that he ranks among the best in Major League Baseball.
Potential Candidates for the Mariners Vacancy
- Torey Lovullo: The 61-year-old manager has led the Arizona Diamondbacks for 10 seasons, earning the 2017 NL Manager of the Year award and a 2023 World Series berth. His contract expires at the end of this season.
- Joe Espada: Currently with the Houston Astros, the 51-year-old has secured AL West titles in 2024 and 2026. His future in Houston is considered uncertain as the Astros prepare to hire a new general manager.
- Rocco Baldelli: The 44-year-old former Minnesota Twins manager, who won the 2019 AL Manager of the Year award, spent this season as a special assistant to the president of baseball operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Brandon Hyde: Previously the manager of the Baltimore Orioles, the 52-year-old is currently a senior advisor in baseball operations with the Tampa Bay Rays. He earned AL Manager of the Year honors in 2023.
Background on Recent Managerial Transitions
The Mariners’ recent history with the position has been defined by hiring first-time managers. Wilson was appointed following the departure of Scott Servais in August 2024. As the team moves toward its 22nd skipper, the front office faces the decision of whether to continue that trend or pivot toward a candidate with more extensive major league experience. The search comes at a time when key players, such as Cal Raleigh, have publicly addressed the team’s collective failure
this season.
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