Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson announced Sunday that he will not return for the 2027 season. Before Game 162 against the Los Angeles Angels, Wilson informed players and staff in a closed-door meeting. After the game, he addressed the media and answered questions before front-office executives spoke to reporters.
In a rare move, Wilson personally shared his departure instead of following standard MLB protocol, which usually involves front-office executives issuing a statement or holding a press conference in the manager’s absence. “This season has been very difficult, and of course, the results have not been what any of us have expected,” Wilson explained. “As a result, it’s concluded that today is my last day as manager of the Seattle Mariners.”
Wilson, who served as a Mariners catcher before becoming manager in August 2024, expressed his strong ties to the team. “I’m still processing this with my family, and it’s a very difficult day,” he said. “We love this city. We love this community and 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.”
The 2026 season carried high hopes. After winning the 2025 AL West title and reaching Game 7 of the ALCS, the Mariners fell short with a 76-86 record, finishing third. Offensive struggles among key players, inconsistent starting pitching, a bullpen collapse in the second half, and poor defensive metrics contributed to the disappointing season.
Wilson faced criticism for perceived leadership shortcomings. “That’s always a necessary component, and I think accountability comes in a lot of different ways,” Wilson stated. “Obviously, I think you look back, and there’s a lot of things that you can point to, and perhaps that’s one of them.”
Regarding the decision’s origin, Wilson acknowledged the nature of sports leadership. “I’ve been in baseball a while, and this is what happens,” he noted. “Managers shoulder the blame and shoulder the responsibility. And this is obviously difficult.”
Seattle Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto and General Manager Justin Hollander will remain with the team in 2027. Dipoto admitted, “Collectively we failed to meet our own expectations” and agreed on the need for a leadership change.
Wilson’s tenure as Mariners manager ends with a 187-171 record.
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