Mariners explore managerial candidates as they seek fresh direction
Seattle is evaluating several experienced managers, including Arizona's Torey Lovullo, to replace Dan Wilson after a 76-86 season, with baseball operations chief Jerry Dipoto emphasizing a cultural reset.
Seattle’s baseball operations department is actively searching for a new manager to replace Dan Wilson, who was dismissed after the Mariners finished the 2026 season with a 76-86 record, the fourth-worst in the American League. President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said the job would attract interest from across the league and that the club needs a "culture reset" and fresh ideas.
"We need fresh thought. We need something new. It could be a shift in programming. It could be a shift in messaging. It could be a shift in language," Dipoto told the Seattle Times.
Dipoto and general manager Justin Hollander have begun contacting potential candidates. Industry sources indicate that Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, whose contract expires after his tenth season, is among the leading prospects. Lovullo has a career record of 750-768, six seasons above .500, two playoff appearances and an NL pennant, though his 2026 club missed the postseason for the third straight year.
Other names mentioned include Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, former Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, former Rangers manager Chris Woodward and former Orioles manager Brandon Hyde. Vogt, a two-time AL Manager of the Year, is unlikely to leave his current position, while Baldelli, Woodward and Hyde have all been out of managerial roles and could be available.
The Mariners aim to appoint a manager with major-league experience to guide a roster that retains significant talent and to implement the cultural changes outlined by Dipoto.