Seattle Mariners advance search for new manager

The Seattle Mariners are in the advanced stages of searching for a new manager following the departure of Dan Wilson. According to reports from The Athletic, candidates being considered include Jason Kanzler, Joe Espada, and Rocco Baldelli.

Kanzler, 36, currently serves as the director of player development for the Cubs and previously held coaching roles within the Astros organization. While Kanzler represents a younger, less experienced option, Espada and Baldelli both possess prior major league managerial experience. Baldelli most recently managed the Twins from 2019 to 2025.

The search follows a period of organizational shift. Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto indicated a preference for a manager with experience, suggesting a move away from the team’s recent strategy of hiring managers without prior major league leadership roles, such as Scott Servais and Dan Wilson. Carlos Mendoza was also reportedly considered before joining the Phillies coaching staff.