Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson informed players and staff that he will not return for the 2027 season, following a disappointing campaign that concluded with a 7-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels in Game 162. Ahead of the Mariners’ final game of one of their most disappointing seasons in franchise history, manager Dan Wilson informed players and staff on Sunday morning that he is not returning to his role in 2027, multiple sources told MLB.com.
Postgame, Wilson confirmed the leadership change, which is also expected to include turnover among Wilson’s coaching staff. However, among that group, director of pitching strategy Trent Blank and pitching coach Pete Woodworth will be back, per sources, and each are under contract for two more seasons.
Separately, as MLB.com reported last week, president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto and general manager Justin Hollander are expected to return in 2027. At the outset of his postgame press conference, Wilson read from a prepared statement then took questions. This season has been very difficult, and of course, the results have not been what any of us have expected,
Wilson said. “As a result, it’s concluded that today is my last day as manager of the Seattle Mariners. “I’m still processing this with my family, and it’s a very difficult day. 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. We feel extremely blessed by all the opportunities we’ve been afforded.”
Dipoto, who will hold a press conference on Monday, also issued a statement. Collectively we failed to meet our own expectations this season,
Dipoto said. 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.
Wilson added that the organization has expressed interest in a role going forward
but didn’t delve into details for what that might entail, other than that he’ll need time to process that decision.
Locker Room Reactions and Accountability in Seattle
When news that Mariners manager Dan Wilson would not return in 2027 broke on social media, a significant portion of the fanbase was ecstatic, seeing Wilson as one of the primary culprits in the team’s dreadful season where they fell significantly short of expectations. (The portion that wasn’t celebrating was mostly complaining that the move didn’t also include firing Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto.) But the mood inside the clubhouse was very different.
I really haven’t wrapped my mind around it yet,
said Cal Raleigh.
Players were alerted that an announcement might be forthcoming when they got their daily schedule texted to them with an added team meeting prior to Sunday’s series finale, which the Mariners won 7-3. Wilson managed the game, knowing it was his last, including two mid-inning defensive changes to allow fan appreciation moments for both J.P. Crawford and Randy Arozarena, both of whom are set to become free agents this season.
Postgame, he read a statement to the media in which he called it a very difficult day
and said he was still processing the decision.
We love this city, we love the community, and we appreciate the organization for what it has meant to the family since coming here as a player in ‘94, Wilson
He wasn’t the only one still processing the decision. Bryan Woo, normally one of the most eloquent clubhouse interviews, was uncharacteristically fragmented in his thought process.
You build a relationship with a guy like that,
said Woo. “It’s really difficult to see him just wear everything this year. I know just by the interactions afterwards and right now, kind of, everyone’s going through the shuffle. The interactions with him and seeing the relationships that he meant to everyone in this clubhouse and the building…yeah, it’s hard to describe.”
You never want to see people you love struggle, but people that you also know are very high character people, people that you know are about the right things, it goes hand in hand.
I feel terrible. I feel responsible. I think every guy in this clubhouse does,
said Raleigh.
For as shell-shocked as players seem to be, though, for most of them, this isn’t their first time seeing a manager fired. They understand the business of baseball.
It’s a business, and that’s unfortunately what happens when you don’t perform,
said Raleigh.
Big league managers, you wear so much of what goes on throughout the season,” said Woo. “If the team does well it’s because of the players; if the team struggles it’s because of the coaches or the managers. He wore it s
Front Office Stability and Future Options Within the Franchise
Mariners chairman and managing partner John Stanton also issued a statement regarding the leadership transition.
I want to add my thanks to Dan for the work he’s done as manager,
Stanton said. “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.”
Wilson added that he remains on good terms with the organization.
Of course,” Wilson said. “This is, it’s just a matter of being able to step away a little bit, like I said, and
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