Mariners confirm Jerry Dipoto will stay as POBO while searching for new manager and likely lose Randy Arozarena

Seattle’s front office will keep president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto in place as the club begins a search for a new manager. Chairman John Stanton said Dipoto’s record in drafting, player development and maintaining player health convinced him that Dipoto is the right leader, but a new manager is needed to deliver a championship at the major-league level.

“All of those things led me to believe that Jerry’s the right guy to lead the baseball organization,” Stanton said. “But we needed to have a new manager, and that manager would work for him. But he would be responsible for delivering that championship at the major-league level.”

Dipoto, who became general manager in late 2015 and was promoted to president of baseball operations in 2021, oversaw an 86-win season in his first year, a playoff berth in 2022 that ended a decades-long drought, and an ALCS appearance last season. The Mariners finished the 2026 campaign third in the AL West after a 28-37 record following the All-Star break.

The organization, which has had limited turnover at the managerial level since Dipoto’s tenure began, will have Dipoto lead the process to hire an experienced skipper to replace Dan Wilson, who will not return.

In addition to the managerial vacancy, Seattle is expected to lose left fielder Randy Arozarena in free agency. Dipoto hinted at the roster gap, noting the team must “refill those voids, especially Randy in left field,” while expressing optimism about the club’s young talent.

Arozarena posted a 151 wRC+ with 26 home runs, 26 steals and a career-high 113 runs in his final season with Seattle. He is believed to prefer a team with spring training in Florida and may decline a qualifying offer, allowing the Mariners to receive draft-pick compensation.