The Seattle Mariners will have a new manager in 2027 after Dan Wilson informed players and staff on Sunday morning that he is not returning to the role, according to MLB.com. The announcement was delivered during a pregame meeting prior to the team’s 7-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, which served as the final game of the 2026 regular season.
Wilson confirmed the leadership change during a postgame press conference, reading from a prepared statement and noting that he and his family are still processing the decision. President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto stated that the decision followed discussions over the past week, concluding that a new direction is best for 2027 and beyond
.
A Season of Disappointment
The move comes after a season that many, including the Mariners organization, viewed as one of the most disappointing in franchise history. Seattle finished the 2026 season with a 76-86 record, placing them third in the American League West. This followed a 2025 campaign where the team won the AL West for the first time since 2001 and advanced to Game 7 of the ALCS, falling eight outs short of a World Series appearance.
Several factors contributed to the 2026 decline, including:
- An offense that wildly underachieved and notable slumps from star players Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh.
- Inconsistent starting pitching and a bullpen that struggled during the second half of the season.
- A defense that ranked as the worst in the league by most advanced metrics.
- A “piggyback” pitching plan implemented by Wilson that was unpopular among the players.
The Mariners were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Sept. 24, shortly after being removed from the AL Wild Card race.
Future Role and Organizational Stability
While Wilson is stepping down as manager, the organization has expressed a desire to keep him within the franchise. Mariners chairman and managing partner John Stanton stated he wants to identify a role where the team can continue to benefit from Wilson’s commitment and experience. Wilson mentioned there have been discussions regarding a role potentially similar to the player development work he performed previously.
The leadership shakeup is expected to include turnover among the coaching staff, though certain positions are secure. According to sources, pitching coach Pete Woodworth and director of pitching strategy Trent Blank will return, as both remain under contract for two more seasons. General manager Justin Hollander and president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto are also expected to return for 2027, which would mark their 11th and 12th seasons in their respective roles.
Player Reactions and Wilson’s Legacy
Inside the clubhouse, the reaction was one of sadness and support. Pitcher Bryan Woo remarked that it was really difficult to see him just wear everything this year
, while Julio Rodríguez defended Wilson against critics, stating, It’s a tough job
and praising Wilson’s respect for his players.
Wilson, a member of the Mariners Hall of Fame, has a long history with the organization dating back to 1994. He played catcher for the team from 1994 to 2005, holding the franchise records for home runs by a catcher and the single-season record for RBIs by a catcher. He also spent over a decade as a coach, executive, and member of the front office before being hired as manager in 2024 following the firing of Scott Servais.
Reflecting on the accountability of the role, Wilson told MLB.com that managers shoulder the blame, shoulder the responsibility
and acknowledged that accountability is an essential component of the game.