This season could have been the beginning of a special era for the Seattle Mariners.

The Mariners were one win away from the World Series for the first time in their 48-year history, ultimately falling to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Oct. 20.

Most of the core from this year's ALCS squad will return in 2026, and they'll be joined by returning manager Dan Wilson.

Wilson was hired as skipper on Aug. 22, 2024, after long-time manager Scott Servais was fired.

This year, Wilson oversaw the club in his first full season as skipper. He helped lead Seattle to a 90-72 record. Including his final month managing the team in 2024, Wilson has a 111-85 record.

Wilson became the first manager in Seattle history to lead the team to the playoffs in his first full year in the role, and was recognized for his contributions by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Wilson was named one of the three finalists for the AL Manager of the Year award by the BBWAA on Monday. The other two finalists are John Schneider of the Toronto Blue Jays and defending AL Manager of the Year Stephen Vogt of the Cleveland Guardians.

Wilson played catcher for the Mariners from 1994-2005. As a player, he competed for former manager Lou Piniella in all three of the franchise's ALCS berths prior. He became the third manager in franchise history to help lead Seattle to the playoffs. Piniella and Servais were the other two.

Wilson's current role is his first time being a major league manager. Since his playing days, he's had a litany of roles with the club including an announcer and minor league coach.

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