Manager Dan Wilson will not return to the Seattle Mariners after one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history, the team announced late Sunday after Game 162. Wilson informed the team he would not return in 2027, according to the Seattle Times.
"Collectively we failed to meet our own expectations this season," president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said in a statement. "Dan and I both care deeply about this organization, these players, and the future of the Mariners. After much discussion it was concluded that a new direction is best for 2027 and beyond.
"I want to thank Dan for his efforts over the past two years and specifically recognize his role in our club advancing to Game 7 of the ALCS in 2025."
The Mariners finished the season with a 76-86 record. They were eliminated from postseason contention last week. Seattle went to Game 7 of the ALCS last year and was five outs away from the franchise's first-ever pennant, and they came into this season as a trendy World Series pick and perhaps the American League favorites.
Instead, an inconsistent offense and atrocious defense cost the Mariners almost nightly. Wilson can't swing the bat or throw the ball for his players, but he did not stand out for his on-field moves, and when a team has a season this disappointing, rarely does the manager return the next season. Someone has to take the blame.
"This was, you know, I've been in baseball a while, and this is what happens," Wilson said following Sunday's game. "Managers shoulder the blame and shoulder the responsibility. And this is obviously difficult, and my family and I are still processing it."
Wilson, 57, went 187-171 in two and a half seasons as Seattle's skipper. He replaced Scott Servais in August 2024 and was not an interim manager. Wilson was given the full-time job immediately. Prior to his managerial career, Wilson caught 14 seasons in the big leagues, including 12 with the Mariners.
On Monday, the Mariners cleaned house, announcing that bench coach Manny Acta, infield coach Perry Hill, hitting coach Kevin Seitzer and first base coach Eric Young Jr. would all not be back in 2027.
It's unclear whether president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto will return. The Mariners have reached the postseason only twice in his 11 years at the helm.
