Several players in the Seattle Mariners clubhouse spoke to the media following news that Wilson won't be returning as skipper in 2027.
SEATTLE — For the second time in three years, the Seattle Mariners will be looking for a new manager.
It was reported Sunday, during the Mariners' final game of the season against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park, that skipper Dan Wilson would not be returning to his role with the team in 2027.
Following the game, Wilson read from a prepared statement to the media confirming his departure.
"This season has been very difficult and, of course, the results have not been what any of us have expected," Wilson said Sunday. "As a result, it was 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's meant to the family since coming here as a player in (1994)."
Before Sunday's game, Wilson spoke to the team and informed them he won't be returning as manager.
"Collectively, we failed to meet our own expectations this season," Seattle president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said in a news release put out by the team Sunday. "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. I want to think Dan for his efforts over the past two years and specifically recognize his role in our club advancing to Game 7 of the (American League Championship Series) in 2025."
Wilson said in his statement that he was offered to stay in the organization in a different role in the future. He's previously worked as a broadcaster and minor league instructor with the team. That offer was confirmed by team CEO and chairman John Stanton in the same news release as Dipoto's comments.
One of the players that Wilson developed a relationship with during his time as a minor league instructor was current starting catcher Cal Raleigh.
"It's tough," Raleigh said after the game. "Heard the news this morning. I really haven't wrapped my mind around it. ... Tough situation, feel terrible. Feel responsible. I think every guy in this clubhouse does. But, unfortunately, that's how it goes. It's a business, sometimes. And that's unfortunately what happens when you don't perform."
Wilson is one of the two managers in franchise history to lead the team to the ALCS, and the first since Lou Piniella did so in 2001.
"Big league managers wear so much of what goes on throughout the season," starting pitcher Bryan Woo said after the game. "If the team does well, it's because of the players. If the team struggles, it's because of the coaches, the managers or whatever it is. He wore so much this year and it's tough. ... I think, as a group, we failed him more than he failed us. He's one of the most genuine human beings ever."
Since officially being eliminated from playoff contention Thursday, several players on the Mariners, including Woo and Raleigh, have shouldered some responsibility for how the season went. Among the common threads in all of their sentiments was "accountability."
When asked about what he would like to see in the team's new manager, Woo highlighted authenticity and ability to tell players the truth as something he appreciated from Wilson's tenure that he would like to see in the next skipper, which could go hand-in-hand with the accountability the aforementioned players have said they want to see in the future.
"I think (Wilson's best quality is his) authenticity," Woo said. "His genuineness. The only thing you can ask for in a relationship like that is just truth. That's what you got from (Wilson) everyday. I don't want fluff, I don't want (expletive), I want truth, whether I like it or not, and (Wilson) was always there to give it to you. And that's more than you can ask for anything. As far as the future, it's hard to speak on it now. Everything's pretty fresh. I don't know. There's so much that goes in a decision like that and I know that there's gonna be a lot of conversations and I know the front office is going to do a really good job with that process. It's a really difficult thing to put your finger on and it comes in all shapes and sizes."
Whoever takes over the next Seattle job will be under a big microscope as the team will look to bounce back in 2027 and meet the World Series aspirations it fell short of this season.
The Mariners finished this season at 76-86, well below the 90-72 they finished in 2025. The Mariners won the American League West last season for the first time since 2001.
President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto will speak to the media on Monday at 1 p.m. PT.
