The Mariners are moving, even if they’re doing it quietly.
Seattle’s managerial search has stayed mostly under wraps, but The Athletic’s Jim Bowden reported Monday afternoon that the club is “making progress” and wants to have finalists picked by mid-to-late next week. Bowden added that the Mariners are hoping to finish the hiring process by the end of October.
That timeline would put a new manager in place right around the start of the MLB offseason. The offseason opens the day after the World Series ends, which means it could begin as soon as Oct. 28 or as late as Nov. 1.
A handful of names have already surfaced around the job. MLB.com reported last week that Seattle was set to interview former Houston Astros manager Joe Espada.
Jon Heyman of MLB reported the Mariners also have interest in former Minnesota Twins manager and current Los Angeles Dodgers special assistant to president of baseball operations Rocco Baldelli. ESPN’s Jorge Castillo reported former New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was a candidate as well, though he later pulled his name from consideration to take the third base and infield coach job with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Jerry Dipoto laid out the approach after Seattle’s season ended last month, saying the organization planned to cast a wide net and look outside the organization in its search. He also said the Mariners preferred a manager with previous experience, though that would not be a requirement.
There are also other names that fit that profile, even if they haven’t been reported specifically as targets or interviewees. Former Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde and ex-Chicago Cubs manager David Ross fall into that bucket as Seattle searches for Dan Wilson’s replacement.
The Mariners finished third in the American League West this season at 76-86, their first losing record in a full season since 2019.
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