The Seattle Mariners are searching for an experienced manager to lead the organization into 2027, and Rocco Baldelli has emerged as a potential candidate following his time with the Minnesota Twins and his current role in the Los Angeles Dodgers' front office.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Seattle has expressed interest in Baldelli, who previously managed Minnesota for seven seasons before joining the Dodgers as a special assistant. His experience leading a major-league clubhouse could appeal to the Mariners as they look to fill the vacancy left by Dan Wilson.

Baldelli would bring a different background from some of Seattle's previous managerial hires. Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has hired first-time managers Scott Servais and Wilson during his tenure. With the organization reportedly prioritizing managerial experience this time, Baldelli's track record could make him a serious candidate.

His time in Minnesota included division titles, postseason appearances and the challenges of managing a team through significant roster changes. Meanwhile, his move to Los Angeles reunited him with a familiar executive and provided him with a different perspective on a successful major-league organization.

Baldelli began his managerial career with Minnesota in 2019 after working in several coaching and player development roles with the Tampa Bay Rays.

He made an immediate impact, guiding the Twins to the American League Central title in his first season. Minnesota repeated as division champions in 2020, and Baldelli earned American League Manager of the Year honors after his debut campaign.

Baldelli finished his Minnesota tenure with a 527-505 regular-season record and three division championships. Despite those accomplishments, the Twins dismissed him in September 2025 after the club finished 70-92.

The circumstances surrounding his departure also included significant organizational changes. Minnesota traded several established players at the 2025 Trade Deadline, including Carlos Correa, Jhoan Duran, Louis Varland and Griffin Jax, as the team moved toward a different direction.

After leaving Minnesota, Baldelli remained interested in returning to a major-league managerial position. He eventually joined the Dodgers as a special assistant in December 2025.

The move brought him back into an organization led by president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, whom Baldelli knew from their time together with Tampa Bay.

His position with Los Angeles gave him an opportunity to remain involved in baseball operations while keeping the door open for another managerial opportunity. With the Dodgers' season ending in the National League Championship Series, Seattle's interest could provide a path back to the dugout.

For the Mariners, Baldelli offers experience managing a major-league team, navigating postseason expectations and developing relationships throughout an organization. His three division titles in Minnesota demonstrate that he has led a team through successful regular seasons, even if the club struggled to advance deeper into October.

Seattle still has other candidates to consider, including former Astros manager Joe Espada. However, Baldelli's combination of managerial experience and familiarity with a successful organization makes him an intriguing option.