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SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners will have a new manager in 2027, as Dan Wilson and the club announced he will not return next season. The decision came shortly after the Mariners closed out a 7-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, capping a 76-86 season that fell far short of World Series expectations following last year's run to Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.
"Collectively we failed to meet our own expectations this season," Mariners 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."
Wilson, a Mariners Hall of Famer who caught for the team from 1994 to 2005, took over as manager after Seattle dismissed Scott Servais on Aug. 22, 2024. His initial stint was promising: he guided the club to a 21-13 finish after it had squandered a 10-game lead in the AL West earlier that season. In 2025, Wilson led the Mariners to their first AL West title in 24 years and came within one win of the franchise's first World Series appearance.
However, a combination of injuries and regression from the bullpen and several key offensive players led to a disappointing 2026. Cal Raleigh, who hit .247 with 60 homers and 125 RBIs and finished second in the AL MVP race to Aaron Judge last year, batted .182 with 23 homers and 69 RBIs. Center fielder Julio Rodríguez and first baseman Josh Naylor also had career-worst seasons as the Mariners scored just 664 runs — third-fewest in the majors. The defense ranked last in MLB with -58 outs above average, and All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz blew 10 saves.
Wilson compiled a 187-171 record in two-plus seasons as Mariners manager, a .522 winning percentage that ranks second in club history behind Lou Piniella (.542). "I'm still processing this with my family, and it's a very difficult day," Wilson said at a postgame news conference, reading from a prepared statement. "We love this city, we love this community and we appreciate the organization for what it has meant to the family since coming here as a player in '94."
His tenure ends with the Mariners still the only major league team that has never reached the World Series. "I've appreciated the opportunity to lead this team the past two years," Wilson said. "While this season has not gone the way any of us expected, I'm proud that the players in the clubhouse showed up each day to try and compete and battle in each game they played. I'm confident that the 2026 season doesn't accurately reflect the talent, passion and desire of our players and know that bright things are ahead for this group."
Before the game, Wilson informed the team he would not be back in 2027. "He just made it clear that he really cares about this team and this organization as a whole," Rodríguez said. "Even though he's not going to be around us, he's going to always be there for us in many different ways and that he believes in this group going forward."
Mariners Chairman and CEO John Stanton expressed gratitude to Wilson and indicated he could remain with the organization. "I want to add my thanks to Dan for the work he's done as manager," Stanton said in the team's statement. "I have also spoken with Dan and made it clear that we would like to keep him in our organization. I look forward to continued conversations as we work to identify a role in which we can continue to benefit from his experience and commitment to the Mariners and our community."
Key Analysis
Wilson's departure marks the end of a brief but eventful managerial stint that saw the highest of highs in 2025 and the lowest of lows in 2026. Despite the disappointing finish, his .522 winning percentage is second-best in franchise history, and his role in guiding Seattle to the 2025 ALCS will be remembered. The Mariners now face a critical offseason as they search for a new manager to lead a talented but underperforming roster back to contention.
Originally reported by yahoo.