Dan Wilson leaves Mariners managerial role after season-ending win over Angels

Dan Wilson will not return as Seattle Mariners manager in 2027 after the club ended its season without a playoff berth. Seattle Times reporter Ryan Divish, in a report republished by The Spokesman-Review, said Wilson informed players and staff before Sunday's finale, then publicly confirmed his departure after Seattle beat the Los Angeles Angels 7-3.

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The change comes one year after Wilson led Seattle to a 90-72 record and its first American League West championship since 2001. That team beat Detroit in a five-game Division Series before losing to Toronto in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Seattle's hopes of reaching its first World Series ended there.

The 2026 finish was markedly different. According to Divish, Seattle went 28-42 over its final 70 games, beginning July 6. Catcher Cal Raleigh and pitcher Bryan Woo expressed responsibility for the team's struggles, with Woo saying the players had let Wilson down more than he had let them down.

In the club's announcement, reported by KTVZ, president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto described the disappointing season as a collective failure to meet expectations. Discussions with Wilson during the week led to the conclusion that the team should change direction for 2027. Wilson, meanwhile, defended his players' effort and said the season did not reflect their ability or commitment.

Wilson took charge on August 22, 2024, and finished with a 187-171 managerial record. His .522 winning percentage ranks second in Mariners history behind Lou Piniella's .542, KTVZ reported. Wilson became the first Seattle manager to reach the postseason in his first full season and was named Sporting News American League Manager of the Year in 2025.

His departure from the dugout may not end his association with Seattle. Chairman and managing partner John Stanton said the organization wants to retain him in another capacity, with discussions continuing over a possible role. Wilson spent 12 seasons playing for the Mariners and entered their Hall of Fame in 2012. No new position for him was confirmed in the announcement.