Rocco Baldelli exits Seattle Mariners' managerial search citing family reasons
Former Twins manager Rocco Baldelli has withdrawn from consideration for the Seattle Mariners' head-coach position, saying family considerations are the primary factor.
Rocco Baldelli, 45, has removed himself from the Seattle Mariners' search for a new manager, according to reports from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Baldelli said the decision was driven by family considerations, as he has three children under five, including three-year-old twins.
Baldelli, a former major-league outfielder who spent his playing career with the Tampa Bay Rays, has spent the past year with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a special assistant and advisor to president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. Prior to that, he served as manager of the Minnesota Twins from 2019 to 2025, leading the club to three playoff appearances but seeing the team finish fourth in the American League Central in both 2024 and 2025.
Known for his strong analytical background, Baldelli began his post-playing career in the Rays' front office before moving to Minnesota. He stepped away from the Twins after the 2025 season.
The Mariners will continue to evaluate other candidates as they aim to appoint a new manager before the end of the month. The American League West also sees interest from the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels, with the Astros recently hiring Conner Watson from the Cleveland Guardians as hitting director.