The Seattle Mariners are continuing their search for a new manager after Rocco Baldelli, a frontrunner for the position, withdrew his name from consideration, citing family considerations. The development leaves former Houston Astros manager Joe Espada and Chicago Cubs director of player development Jason Kanzler as the remaining known candidates, as the team aims to fill the role by the end of October, according to MLB.com.
Baldelli Cites Family Concerns in Withdrawal
Rocco Baldelli’s decision to pull out of the Mariners’ managerial search came as a surprise. The Athletic reported that Baldelli’s withdrawal stems from family considerations.
He had been working as a special assistant in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ front office after managing the Minnesota Twins.
The Mariners job was expected to be a strong consideration for Baldelli, having managed the Twins to three American League Central titles. However, his roots and three young children in Florida appeared to be a deciding factor, MLB.com reported.
Players won't have a seat at the table during the Mariners' managerial search. But their voices are being heard.A few core leaders shared what some of those conversations sounded like."We're grown men here, and we're trying to get to the same goal."https://t.co/egxktfUZYL
Espada and Kanzler Remain in the Mix
With Baldelli out of the picture, the focus shifts to Joe Espada and Jason Kanzler, according to multiple reports. Espada, the former manager of the Houston Astros, is considered a strong candidate. Kanzler, currently the director of player development for the Chicago Cubs, presents a less conventional option, lacking managerial experience but praised for his forward-thinking approach, according to MLB.com.
Both Espada and Kanzler were on Dusty Baker’s coaching staff during Houston’s run to a 2022 World Series title.
Seattle’s Search and Dipoto’s Preferences
The Mariners’ search began after Dan Wilson announced he would not return as manager following the 2026 season. President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has indicated a preference for an experienced manager, potentially favoring Espada, who managed the Astros for three years. However, the team is reportedly keeping an open mind.
The in-person confabs will be the first that include the Major League coaching staff.
Rocco Baldelli has withdrawn from the Mariners’ managerial search, citing family considerations at this moment in time, sources tell The Athletic.
Kanzler’s Background and Potential Appeal
Jason Kanzler’s path to a potential managerial role is unconventional. His experience includes working alongside Espada in Houston, potentially making him an appealing candidate for a collaborative approach. He has been praised for his ability to communicate, a quality the Mariners have identified as a priority, according to MLB.com.
Kanzler, who is 36 in August, is an unexpected name to be mentioned in the process. He has been talked to by the Mariners about their managerial opening.
The Mariners continue to stay under the radar with their managerial search but they're making progress and are hoping to finish the process by the end of the month. They're hoping to get to their finalists but mid/late next week according to sources familiar with their process
What’s Next in the Search
The Mariners are aiming to finalize their managerial hire by the end of October, according to MLB.com. The remaining candidates will undergo further interviews as the team seeks to identify a leader who can guide the team back to contention.
Seattle Sports reported former Twins manager Rocco Baldelli had a ‘good blend’ of managerial experience and the ability to bridge the gap between players and the front office. However, Rocco Baldelli withdrew his name from consideration for family reasons, a decision that leaves the Mariners back at square one in their search.
If experience is still a priority for Dipoto, this would seemingly give Espada the edge over Kanzler.
Sources: The Mariners are bringing in Joe Espada and Jason Kanzler to Seattle this week for in-person interviews for their managerial vacancy.Plus, another name they interviewed that is no longer in the running, and a follow-up on Stephen Vogt…https://t.co/4Vc2bdZ3tw
The Nationals and Angels reportedly considered Rocco Baldelli for their managerial vacancies last offseason.